The Index Group purchased the modern, computer controlled processing plant situated at Heybridge in Tasmania in mid 1991 and commenced operating it to process high quality silica flours and sands in January of 1992.

Large high-grade silica reserves in Tasmania had already produced some of the best silica flour in the world. Pro-active quality assurance procedures were introduced to guarantee the consistency of material produced. Perhaps the most effective of these was the introduction of more thorough assaying of raw material before its delivery to the plant. This allowed production staff to blend raw materials to ensure the plant produced product of a quality that met our customers tight specifications.

The Heybridge plant was running smoothly by June of 1992. Since that time IMP Silica has consistently produced silica products of the highest quality for supply to a growing export market.

Index has developed a broader range of products to service more fully the needs of silica users. The production of a dry 200-mesh product, free of organic contamination and respirable dust was one priority achieved when 40/75 PG material was successfully produced in February 1994.

In 1997 the Index Group was given a special distinction in the Business Queensland 'Exporter' of the year award and in 1998 Index Mineral Processors achieved the Tasmanian Mineral Exporter of the year award.