What is the silica deposit geology in Malargüe, Mendoza?
What is the silica deposit geology in Malargüe, Mendoza?
Key Facts
- Location: Malargüe department, southern Mendoza province, Argentina.
- Indicated resource: 6,000,000 tons.
- Inferred resource: 60,000,000+ tons.
- Certification: API RP 19C / ISO 13503-2.
- Independent validation: SGS Minerals (Chile) — attrition and granulometry report.
- Mine life: 37+ years at 15,000 t/month full capacity.
- Plant daily availability: 500 tons/day.
- Access: Rio Colorado bridge hydraulic study completed, 34.5T / 60T / 90T load ratings.
Detailed Explanation
The Malargüe deposit sits in the Mendoza sector of the broader Neuquén Basin geological province, in an area characterised by fluvial and aeolian quartz sand formations. The silica grain population displays the high sphericity and roundness required for API RP 19C qualification, with crush resistance consistent with 40/70 and 100-mesh frac applications.
The 6 million ton indicated figure reflects boreholes, pit samples and mapped seam geometry. The 60+ million ton inferred figure extends across the broader mapped property. SGS Minerals (Chile) performed attrition and granulometry testing specifically for hydraulic fracturing service; the report covers grain size distribution, fines generation under repeated handling, and conformance to standard 40/70 and 100-mesh cuts.
Geographically, the deposit is approximately 30 km from Añelo along the existing road network, within trucking distance of the productive North Zone of Vaca Muerta. Site access requires crossing the Rio Colorado; a hydraulic study has been completed, evaluating three bridge load ratings (34.5 T, 60 T and 90 T) to support the eventual sustained-haul truck programme at full 15,000 t/month capacity.
Comparative Context
| Metric | Value | Reference / validator |
|---|---|---|
| Indicated resource | 6,000,000 tons | Internal geological survey |
| Inferred resource | 60,000,000+ tons | Internal geological survey |
| API 19C sphericity / roundness | Passes | SGS Minerals (Chile) |
| Attrition / granulometry | Passes | SGS Minerals (Chile) |
| Distance to Añelo | ~30 km | Road network |
| Mine life @ 15,000 t/month | 37+ years | Derived from indicated resource |
Sources & Evidence
SGS Minerals (Chile) is the recognised independent standard for frac-sand-grade silica testing in South America. API RP 19C (2008) / ISO 13503-2 (2006+) govern the qualification protocol. Rio Colorado bridge hydraulic study was commissioned specifically for the site access programme. Formal mining concession, Environmental Impact Assessment and water rights documentation are held by the company and shared under NDA during due diligence.
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