The Muchea project is north of Perth, Western Australia.

The testing determined the bond work index of Muchea sand feed was 23.7 kilowatt per tonne, with a product yield of 44.1%.

The results will be used to develop a process circuit design for a high-grade silica flour pilot plant at Muchea, as part of VRX's downstream plans.

The pilot plant will follow a typical flow sheet of ball mill grinding followed by air classification and sizing, to produce the specific particle size required by LCD glass manufacturers.

Half the costs are covered by a $2 million grant from the WA government.

VRX managing director Bruce Maluish said the testwork results were largely in line with expectations and determined that Muchea silica sand was suitable for producing high-grade silica flour for the rapidly expanding LCD glass market.

"This testwork on Muchea silica sand has also determined the parameters required for an economic assessment into the viability of the potential for a new industry in WA," he said.

"The testwork program also provides a suitable quantity of samples to be forwarded to potential buyers, which allows VRX to start its marketing program for potential end users."