VRX Silica Limited (ASX: VRX) has hit another big step forward with its main project, the Arrowsmith North Silica Sand Project. The company just got works approval from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER). This key okay from regulators puts the Western Australian firm closer to starting production at what could be one of the world’s top silica sand sites.
This approval comes right after the Minister for the Environment gave the green light under Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act 1986. Plus, in August 2025, the Department of Mining, Petroleum and Energy approved the mining plan. All these nods show that officials have real faith in VRX Silica’s ideas for the project.
A Big Step Towards Getting Started
The DWER approval lets VRX build and run the processing plant and other needed setup at Arrowsmith North. Under WA laws, you need this before starting work on certain types of sites, so it’s a must-do before things can kick off.
Bruce Maluish, the Managing Director at VRX Silica, is happy with how fast things are moving. “We’re glad to get this works approval for Arrowsmith North just after our state environmental okay,” he said. “It’s one more important win for VRX as we head towards production.”
The rules that come with the approval match what VRX already plans for safe, green, and careful work. The company has agreed to them before, and they fit with how VRX looks after the environment at Arrowsmith North.
What the Arrowsmith North Silica Sand Project Offers and Where It Fits In
The Arrowsmith North Silica Sand Project sits about 270 kilometres north of Perth. It holds a huge amount of top-quality silica sand that’s known around the world. The project has a proven reserve of 221 million tonnes at 99.5% SiO2, based on JORC standards. That makes it one of the biggest high-grade silica sand spots out there.
VRX aims to start producing around 1 million tonnes a year and build up to over 2 million tonnes. The setup is meant to last for many years. This high-quality sand will go to markets in Asia for things like foundry work, container glass, and flat glass, where demand keeps rising.
Tests by possible buyers have shown that the sand from Arrowsmith North is really good, which helps VRX stand out in the market.
Arrowsmith North Silica Sand Project located 270km north of Perth
Good Market Trends Backing the Project
The silica sand market is growing fast worldwide, especially in the Asia-Pacific area. Experts say the regional market could hit $11.2 billion by 2033, growing at about 5.81% each year from 2025 to 2033.
This growth comes from building needs, like flat glass for windows and car glass for Asia’s expanding car industry. The foundry side is also picking up, thanks to more demand in places like South Korea, Japan, and China, as well as newer spots in Thailand and India.
Australia leads as the top exporter of silica sand in the Asia-Pacific, sending out over 3.3 million tonnes a year. That gives VRX Silica a strong spot to meet the rising needs with its high-grade output from Arrowsmith North.
How the Project is Coming Along and Its Setup Strengths
VRX has made good headway on the engineering side, with full designs done for a plant that can handle 2 million tonnes a year. The project has great links to roads like the Brand Highway, the railway from Geraldton to Eneabba, and it’s close to Geraldton Port for shipping out big loads.
They hope to start production in the second half of 2026. Talks are moving forward on deals for sales, setup, mining help, power, building work, and funding.
VRX keeps pushing for the last approvals and permits, and it has solid backing from local Indigenous communities, nearby councils, the Mid West Development Commission, and governments at state and federal levels.
Also Read: Australia Gold Output 300 Tonnes 2025 Ticks to Two-Year High
How VRX Silica Limited is Doing and What Lies Ahead
VRX Silica shares are trading around $0.14 right now, with a 52-week range from $0.026 to $0.17. The company is worth about $50.8 million in the market, with 636 million shares out there.
This works approval takes away more risk for VRX as it works to become a major silica sand maker. With its spot in Western Australia, a top resource, and growing demand in Asia, the future looks bright.
Beyond Arrowsmith North, VRX has other projects like Muchea Silica Sand (99.9% SiO2 for super-clear glass) and Boyatup Silica Sand. These could bring more growth as the market changes.
These latest steps make VRX Silica a key player in supplying silica sand to the Asia-Pacific. At the same time, it helps develop Western Australia’s Mid West region with jobs and royalties that last.
