An increasing number of companies are looking to Western Australia for potential high-grade silica mine locations to meet global demand, but there could be an environmental cost.
Silica is a key ingredient in solar panels and Dr Tejas Bhatelia, a chemical engineer and senior research academic from Curtin University, said some forecasts predicted up to 25 per cent of the world's energy demand could be met in the next 10 years using the renewable energy.
"If you went in your backyard and picked up some sand, that's silicon — it's everywhere,"
"[But] there is a global imbalance as to where the high grade, metallurgical silica is found in the natural environment.
"At one point we are going to see a disparity, we are going to see a point where we won't be producing enough metallurgical grade silicone that is required to meet the energy demand that we have."
Environmental, health concerns over mining
Perth-based junior exploration company Allup Silica has recently taken its four WA-based exploration projects to the ASX, aiming to raise $5 million to fund their high-purity silica sands projects.
However, one of their tenements located in the South West has locals fearful about the possible flow on effects if Allup Silica's relevant exploration and mining licences receive government approval.
The Quinninup Community Association said members are concerned if Allup Silica's Antwalker Project is approved for mining, it could result in native bushland being cleared and a significant water source being drawn from or polluted during the mining process.
Registered nurse and Quinninup local Alice Beach said many locals were worried about the environmental implications and health risks of silicosis.
"With the global trends [moving] towards net zero and reducing carbon emissions, if we are going to look at chopping down and mining our forests in the south, we are not going to be moving towards those goals."
Allup Silica executive chairman Andrew Haythorpe said the company intended working alongside communities and developing community relationships as part of the extensive processes required before mining could begin.
"If we get to that stage if there is a mining proposal, the mining proposal would — as part of its health and safety plan — completely address the risk of any silica dust and of course any arising health effects from silica dust.
"We can assure the community that Allup has absolutely no intention to explore, or operate in these areas depicted with surface water being provided by concerned parties, and, that said, the areas depicted are strictly protected by environmental laws that prohibit activities near standing water areas.
"The area at Quinninup is still in a very early application stage — and given its location, should exploration be permitted — it will be subject to extensive and rigorous community, environmental and government regulation, consultation and oversight."
