The Maidenwell Diatomaceous Earth (DE) deposit is located on Brooklands Road near Maidenwell, 29 km south of Kingaroy and 10 km northwest of Maidenwell.
The mine development plan encompasses significant volumes of high quality agricultural and industrial ‐grade Diatomite. There is also interest being shown in the overlying siliceous Volcanic Ash as a commercial by‐product principally as an additive for the industrial industry and in the agro industry as a soil conditioner.
A life of mine development plan has been prepared for the project and is based on existing probable reserves of 1.3Mbcm of Diatomaceous Earth. The development plan contemplates an annual production rate of 50ktpa. Based on these volumes the proposed ML has a nominated term of 20 years.
The Maidenwell diatomite is composed dominantly of Melosira granulate diatoms with about 50% intact siliceous skeletons and the remainder broken skeletons. Total Silica generally exceeds 85% of dry sample weight. Notable amongst these properties are the high plant available Silica, high water holding content at saturation, low bulk density, low salinity and low trace elements.
These properties render Maidenwell diatomite comparable with existing domestic and imported competitor products. With exception of Moisture Holding Capacity and Bulk Density, the Volcanic Ash, is physically and chemically comparable to the diatomite.
