enCore Energy Encounters Highest Grade Drill Results at Alta Mesa Uranium Project; Provides Status on South Texas Production Operations
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Insights
The recent announcement by enCore Energy Corp. regarding the highly positive drilling results at the Alta Mesa Project in South Texas presents a notable development with potential implications for the uranium market and enCore's business operations. With reported grade thickness (GT) values significantly surpassing the cutoff for In-Situ Recovery (ISR), the company's prospects for economic extraction are enhanced. This is particularly relevant given the current global context where energy security and the search for clean energy sources have put uranium back in the spotlight.
From a market perspective, the timing aligns with a renewed interest in nuclear energy and the strategic importance of domestic uranium production. The progress at the Alta Mesa Uranium Central Processing Plant (CPP) suggests that enCore is positioning itself to capitalize on this momentum. Increased production capacity could potentially lead to a more robust supply chain for uranium, which may influence market prices and availability. However, the long-term impact on the stock market will depend on sustained operational success and the broader energy market dynamics, including regulatory shifts and competition from other energy sources.
The financial implications of enCore Energy Corp.'s announcement for investors and stakeholders are multifaceted. The sale of a 30% interest in the Alta Mesa Project to Boss Energy Limited for $60 million, plus an additional $10 million in enCore's shares, provides a capital influx that could accelerate production timelines. This joint venture structure allows for risk-sharing and could enhance investor confidence in the project's viability.
Analyzing the historical production figures and the CPP's total operating capacity, the potential revenue from the resumed production could be substantial. However, investors should consider the volatility of uranium prices and the capital-intensive nature of mining operations. The company's ability to manage operating costs and navigate the price-sensitive uranium market will be critical in determining the long-term profitability and stock performance.
The technical aspects of the drilling results and the ISR process are central to understanding enCore's strategic advantage. The reported GT values are a key metric in the uranium mining industry, indicating the concentration and volume of recoverable uranium. The significant exceedance of the cutoff GT for ISR operations suggests a higher yield and potentially lower production costs per pound of uranium, which is a positive indicator for operational efficiency.
ISR is a preferred method for uranium extraction due to its minimal environmental impact compared to traditional mining. enCore's utilization of this technology, coupled with the strategic location on privately owned land in Texas, provides a competitive edge in regulatory and operational terms. The company's ability to successfully replicate the initial Alta Mesa startup process could set a precedent for future expansion and position enCore as a key player in the domestic uranium production landscape.
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Highlights include:
- Drilling from Alta Mesa's Production Area Authorization ("PAA") provides results that range up to a grade thickness of 8.4 with a maximum thickness of 13.5 feet. The cutoff grade thickness for ISR in
South Texas is generally accepted to be 0.3 with grade thickness being the relevant factor in determining reasonable prospects for economic extraction; - The Alta Mesa ISR Uranium Central Processing Plant ("CPP") upgrades and refurbishments are advancing on schedule for the planned early 2024 resumption of uranium production;
- Initial production from Alta Mesa's PAA-7 wellfield will have a total of 59 production wells with 36 extraction wells and 23 injection wells that form the startup production patterns. 57 of these are completed with the last two wells scheduled for completion over the next few days. The wells are being prepared for connection to the pipeline to the CPP;
- Production from the wellfield at Alta Mesa will be increasing as additional production patterns are completed following the initial 59 wells and duplicate the process used for the initial Alta Mesa startup in 2005. Drilling and well installation for the follow-on production patterns is already well underway and will continue as CPP capacity is reached; and
- As previously reported, uranium production from the Rosita Uranium CPP, which commenced in November 2023 and has completed its first shipment of uranium, continues to maintain expected production levels.
Paul Goranson, enCore Energy's Chief Executive Officer, stated: "We are extremely pleased with the drilling results from Alta Mesa. Cutoff grade thickness for ISR operations in
Wellfield delineation drilling commenced in the spring of 2023 at the Alta Mesa Project PAA-7 along a previously defined ore body consisting of stacked roll fronts. The NI 43-101 Technical Report dated January 19, 2023, and titled "Technical Report Summary for the Alta Mesa Uranium Project,
To view the Alta Mesa CPP and Wellfield and Rosita CPP maps please visit: bit.ly/3fV9fTg.
At the Alta Mesa Uranium CPP, enCore has met most of the key objectives for the refurbishment of the processing circuits necessary for the planned early 2024 restart. Work remaining includes final inspection of the ion exchange ("IX") columns, testing the precipitation tanks, completing tie-in of the scrubber system, and installation and testing of the process circuit instrumentation. The yellowcake drying circuit upgrades are advancing with the filter press support infrastructure and yellowcake storage hoppers on site. Refurbishment and testing of the yellowcake drying system is progressing with that work scheduled to be completed just prior to the anticipated production restart timelines. The bulk chemical systems for the IX elution process have been installed and tested. The electrical systems including transformers and motor control centers have been completed.
Within PAA-7, enCore is installing injection and production wells in the wellfield and has completed installation of the electrical transmission lines necessary for initial start-up and the pipelines to connect the wellfield to the Alta Mesa CPP. All necessary equipment for the start-up of production in the PAA-7 wellfield has been received or has been ordered with a confirmed delivery schedule. Wellfield construction activities are well advanced with
The wellfield drilling operations , which commenced in March 2023, are advancing rapidly with 126 holes drilled since the previous update (January 17, 2024). In total, 571 drill holes have been completed through March 8th, 2024. There are currently six (6) drill rigs in full operation at Alta Mesa, with contracts anticipated for additional rigs expected at site by the end of March 2024.
Further refined delineation drilling within the PAA-7 continues to establish the exact pattern of injection and recovery wells from which to maximize production efficiency as additional patterns are prepared for ramped up production. Over 140 holes have been cased or are scheduled to be cased with an additional 75 holes under review by geological staff for possible casing.
Significant Alta Mesa Wellfield Drilling Results
Drill Hole | Goliad Sandstone Horizon | Depth | Grade % | Thickness | Grade | Total |
172-95 | LCL-1 | 515.5 | 0.275 | 3.5 | 0.967 | |
171-97 | LCU-1 | 489.0 | 0.281 | 2.0 | 0.562 | |
181-93 | LCL-2 | 521.0 | 0.174 | 2.5 | 0.434 | |
172-96 | LCU-2 | 505.0 | 0.196 | 5.5 | 1.077 | |
181-91 | LCL-1 | 518.0 | 0.667 | 4.5 | 3.041 | |
172-96 | LCU-1 | 488.5 | 0.101 | 3.5 | 0.353 | |
182-96 | LCU-2 | 510.0 | 0.594 | 5.5 | 3.266 | |
185-113 | LCU-2 | 504.0 | 0.311 | 13.5 | 4.197 | |
184-112 | LCU-2 | 505.5 | 0.340 | 10.5 | 3.567 | |
184-112 | LCL-1 | 522.0 | 0.267 | 7.0 | 1.869 | |
181-93 | LCL-1 | 515.0 | 0.512 | 10.0 | 5.118 | |
181-91 | LCL-1 | 513.0 | 0.760 | 11.0 | 8.356 | |
181-92 | LCL-1 | 511.5 | 0.368 | 3.5 | 1.287 | |
170-102 | LCU-2 | 496.0 | 0.171 | 6.5 | 1.113 | |
184-96 | LCU-2 | 511.0 | 0.263 | 3.5 | 0.920 | |
170-104 | LCU-1 | 490.5 | 0.250 | 4.0 | 1.002 | |
170-105 | LCU-2 | 500.0 | 0.113 | 4.5 | 0.508 | |
171-98 | LCL-1 | 503.5 | 0.291 | 7.0 | 2.038 | |
185-112 | LCL-2 | 527.5 | 0.660 | 4.0 | 2.64 | |
181-90 | LCU-1 | 496.0 | 0.265 | 7.0 | 1.853 | |
183-96 | LCL-1 | 521.0 | 0.426 | 5.0 | 2.130 | |
172-96 | LCL-1 | 512.0 | 0.169 | 2.0 | 0.338 | |
185-113 | LCU-1 | 502.0 | 0.465 | 12.0 | 5.579 | |
170-100 | LCL-1 | 511.5 | 0.147 | 2.5 | 0.368 | |
181-92 | LCL-1 | 513.5 | 0.660 | 9.0 | 5.935 | |
172-94 | LCL-1 | 519.5 | 0.093 | 3.5 | 0.326 | |
183-96 | LCU-2 | 504.5 | 0.135 | 10.5 | 1.417 | |
LCL-2 | 530.0 | 0.192 | 5.0 | 0.961 | 2.378 | |
185-112 | LCU-2 | 503.5 | 0.140 | 2.5 | 0.350 | |
174-95 | LCL-1 | 524.5 | 0.106 | 4.5 | 0.479 | |
180-92 | LCU-1 | 495.0 | 0.251 | 7.5 | 1.884 | |
-All intercepts are located in the PAA-7 which hosts mineralization within the Goliad Formation. The | ||||||
The Alta Mesa CPP and Wellfield hosts a fully licensed and constructed ISR uranium plant, located on 200,000+ acres of private land in the state of
Total operating capacity at the Alta Mesa CPP is 1.5 million lbs. U3O8 (uranium) per year with an additional drying capacity of more than 0.5 million lbs. U3O8. The Alta Mesa CPP historically produced nearly 5 million lbs. U3O8 between 2005 and 2013, when full production was curtailed as a result of low uranium prices.
Alta Mesa CPP and Wellfield highlights:
- The Alta Mesa CPP is enCore's third fully licensed production facility, along with the Rosita CPP and Kingsville Dome CPP, all located in the business-friendly state of
Texas . There are only eleven (11) licensed and constructed uranium production facilities in all ofthe United States (US). - Alta Mesa CPP's operations are located on private land, with
100% of minerals privately owned, and in a supportive jurisdiction with primary regulatory authority residing with theState of Texas . - The Alta Mesa CPP utilizes well-known ISR technology to extract uranium in a non-invasive process using natural groundwater and oxygen, coupled with a proven ion exchange process, to recover the uranium.
Alta Mesa & Mesteña Grande Mineral | Tons
| Avg. Grade (% U3O8) | Pounds
|
Total Measured Mineral Resource1 | 54,000 | 0.152 | 164,000 |
Alta Mesa Indicated Mineral Resource | 1,397,000 | 0.106 | 2,959,000 |
Mesteña Grande Indicated Mineral Resource | 119,000 | 0.120 | 287,000 |
Total Measured & Indicated Resources | 1,570,000 | 0.109 | 3,410,000 |
Alta Mesa Inferred Mineral Resource | 1,263,000 | 0.126 | 3,192,000 |
Mesteña Grande Inferred Mineral Resource | 5,733,000 | 0.119 | 13,601,000 |
Total Inferred Resources | 6,996,000 | 0.120 | 16,793,000 |
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John M. Seeley, Ph.D., P.G., C.P.G., enCore's Manager of Geology and Exploration, and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure in this news release on behalf of the Company.
enCore Energy Corp., America's Clean Energy Company™, is committed to providing clean, reliable, and affordable fuel for nuclear energy as the newest uranium producer in
Future projects in enCore's production pipeline include the Dewey-Burdock project in
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
The Company advises that it is not basing its production decisions at the Rosita CPP and Alta Mesa CPP on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability. The production decision is based on known past In-Situ Recovery (ISR) and processing operations at this production facility and surrounding lands. However, the Company understands that there is increased uncertainty, and consequently a higher risk of failure, when production is undertaken in advance of a feasibility study. The Company has determined to proceed with a production decision based on past operations at the Alta Mesa CPP, including past ISR operations in the known mineral resource areas.
Certain information contained in this news release, including: any information relating to the Company being a leading uranium company, statements regarding future or potential production, and any other statements regarding future expectations, beliefs, goals or prospects; may constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws and regulations (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). All statements in this news release that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words "expects", "is expected", "does not expect", "plans", "anticipates", "does not anticipate", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "scheduled", "forecast", "budget" and similar expressions or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken) should be considered forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding extraction, processing and sales of uranium at Rosita, Alta Mesa and future operations. All such forward-looking statements are subject to important risk factors and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company's ability to control or predict. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; future legislative and regulatory developments; the ability of enCore to manage operations at its projects; the ability of enCore to implement its business strategies; including commencement of production at Alta Mesa in the planned time frames or at all; the expansion of operations to satellite locations; and other risks. A number of important factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated or implied by such forward-looking statements, including without limitation access to capital risks in connection with the Agreement and otherwise, exploration and development risks, changes in commodity prices, access to skilled mining personnel, the results of exploration and development activities; production risks; uninsured risks; regulatory risks; defects in title; the availability of materials and equipment, timeliness of government approvals and unanticipated environmental impacts on operations; litigation risks; risks posed by the economic and political environments in which the Company operates and intends to operate; increased competition; assumptions regarding market trends and the expected demand and desires for the Company's products and proposed products; reliance on industry equipment manufacturers, suppliers and others; the failure to adequately protect intellectual property; the failure to adequately manage future growth; adverse market conditions, the failure to satisfy ongoing regulatory requirements and factors relating to forward looking statements listed above which include risks as disclosed in the Company's public filings, including its annual information form. Should one or more of these risks materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. The Company assumes no obligation to update the information in this communication, except as required by law. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings by the Company with the various securities commissions which are available online at www.sec.gov and www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations, beliefs and plans of management. Such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes and readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, that speak only as of the date hereof, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
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SOURCE enCore Energy Corp.
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