April 2014 – Tellus Holdings Ltd (Tellus) has successfully completed an aircore drilling program at the proposed Sandy Ridge Kaolin Project, 140 kilometres west north-west from Kalgoorlie in Western Australia (WA).

The drilling program was designed to test the thickness, coherence and extent of the kaolin bed to confirm historic drilling results, kaolin grade and quality and site selection criteria for the safety case.

Sixty one drill holes were completed totalling 1,864 metres drilled. Preliminary infield grade analysis was positive, resulting in 776 metres of kaolinite samples submitted for detailed independent analysis.

Samples were assessed in Perth by experienced kaolin Project Manager, Mike Ingram from EPMS.

“On visual inspection kaolin appears of a good grade, with high yields and good consistent intervals of bright white kaolin,” Mr Ingram said.

Tellus Managing Director Duncan van der Merwe said the company was pleased with such positive initial results.

“Samples will now be sent to laboratories in Australia and the UK for independent grade and quality analysis,” Mr van der Merwe said.

The technical results will be used to optimise pilot plant design. Results are expected in April 2014, with resource modelling and product assessment studies to commence soon after.