Geological Distribution and Downstream Product Potential of Silica Sand and Kaolin Resources in Sarawak, Malaysia

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This study integrates statewide occurrence mapping with primary field and laboratory data from two Marudi silica sand samples (BKG01 and BKG02) and two Telagus kaolin samples (K001 and K005) to support downstream screening for planning purposes in Sarawak, Malaysia. Laboratory analysis included moisture and particle size testing, petrography, X-ray diffraction, loss on ignition, X-ray fluorescence, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. BKG01 and BKG02 contain 97.3026 and 98.2505 mass % SiO₂, respectively. Semiquantitative XRD estimates 92.6–95.9% quartz. BKG02 has lower LOI, zircon and total rare earth element content, but higher Al₂O₃, TiO₂ and Fe₂O₃. Bulk K001 and K005 are dominated by quartz at 82.1% and 55.9%, whereas their fractions below 63 µm contain 66.4% and 82.1% kaolinite. K005 has higher Al₂O₃ and kaolinite in the fine fraction, but also higher moisture, LOI and Fe₂O₃. Assessment using five gates assigns Potential to general industrial silica. Construction, container glass and filtration routes are Conditional. Silica routes with stricter specifications require further testing. General ceramics is Conditional for Telagus, while other kaolin routes require further testing. The results represent four samples and do not establish grade continuity across either deposit, beneficiation recovery, reserve status, product qualification or commercial feasibility.

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