VRX managing director Bruce Maluish said the detailed design phase of the project followed an extensive testing program that VRX had conducted over the past few years.

"The company has developed with its metallurgical consultants a number of unique processes to produce the most valuable, high yield and high-quality silica sand products possible," he said.

"This design work by the engineering team at ProjX, will allow a very long production regime at Arrowsmith North with low emissions and carbon footprint."

Maluish said the design incorporated some innovative processing techniques which allowed flexibility for the company to produce multiple products, subject to market requirements, for foundry and glass-making silica sand.

VRX has also purchased and refurbished some second-hand process equipment, including a feed trommel that is in storage at a Bunbury fabrication contractor's premises.

A second-hand Schenck vibrating banana screen was also purchased and refurbished.

Maluish said the project was initially estimated to cost $28.3 million in 2019, however, with key equipment to be retendered the cost estimate would be updated.