Silicon Metals Corp. has announced the complete acquisition of the Longworth Silica Project, a promising high-purity silica deposit located approximately 85 kilometers east of Prince George, British Columbia. The acquisition, finalized through the exercise of an option agreement with Cronin Exploration Inc on January 13, positions Silicon Metals as a significant player in the silica exploration and development sector.

The Longworth Silica Property spans 3,863.06 hectares and is situated within a geologically favorable area known as Bearpaw Ridge. The primary target of the project is the Nonda Quartzite formation, a geological unit known for its extensive deposits of high-purity silica. The formation exhibits a southeast strike with multiple faulted offsets and folds, indicating potential for significant mineralization. Mapping has identified at least four northwest-trending quartzite bands along the western flank of Bearpaw Ridge, with thicknesses reaching up to 400 meters.

Historical data suggests the significant potential of the Longworth project. Previous reports have documented massive and homogenous compositions within the quartzite bands, exhibiting high-purity silica content. Notably, eight chip samples collected by the Geological Survey Branch of British Columbia in 1982 averaged an impressive 99.5% silica. Further exploration in the 1970s by Silver Standard Mines Limited focused on high-purity silica for ferro silicon and silicon metal production, including a metallurgical program conducted with the University of British Columbia in 1985. More recently, in 2016, MGX Minerals Inc. reported SiO2 results reaching up to 99.56% in the region, further validating the area's potential.

Silicon Metals recognizes the opportunity to build upon this historical work and expand the known mineralization along the southeast strike. While the historical estimates from Silver Standard have not been classified as current mineral resources or reserves by a qualified person, the company views them as highly encouraging indicators of the project’s potential.

The acquisition was completed through a combination of cash, shares, and a royalty agreement. Silicon Metals paid $35,000 in pre-paid exploration expenses to Cronin Exploration Inc., issued 3.3 million common shares, and granted a 2.0% net smelter returns royalty (NSR Royalty). The company retains the right to purchase 50% of the NSR Royalty (1.0%) for $1,000,000 within 30 days of achieving commercial production at the property.

Morgan Good, CEO of Silicon Metals, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition: "With the formal closing of the 100% acquisition of the Longworth Silica project, the Company has now packaged three silica-focused properties in British Columbia. Our technical team, including Mr. Kyler Hardy, principal of Cronin Exploration Inc. and member of our Advisory Board, has developed detailed plans to commence work imminently. We anticipate providing further updates to the market in due course."