Critical One - High-Grade, Low-Cost Uranium Recovery at Khan Project
Critical One Energy (CSE: CRTL, OTCQB: MMTLF) has announced promising metallurgical test results from its Khan Uranium Project in Namibia's Erongo province. The tests revealed exceptional uranium recovery rates ranging from 71.1% to 86.6%, with notably low acid consumption of maximum 14.2 kg/t, significantly below regional benchmark Husab Mine's 34 kg/t.
The project demonstrated minimal presence of refractory minerals, with low levels of niobium and undetected tantalum, suggesting betafite content which enhances processing simplicity. The uranium is primarily hosted in D-type leucogranites, similar to other major regional deposits. The test work was conducted on three reverse circulation samples from the August 2024 drilling campaign, and was evaluated by uranium metallurgy expert Bernard Sililo.
Critical One Energy (CSE: CRTL, OTCQB: MMTLF) ha annunciato risultati promettenti dai test metallurgici del suo Progetto Uranio Khan nella provincia di Erongo, in Namibia. I test hanno rivelato percentuali di recupero dell'uranio eccezionali variabili dal 71,1% all'86,6%, con un consumo di acido notevolmente basso di massimo 14,2 kg/t, significativamente inferiore al benchmark regionale della Miniera Husab, che è di 34 kg/t.
Il progetto ha dimostrato una presenza minima di minerali refrattari, con bassi livelli di niobio e tantalio non rilevato, suggerendo una presenza di betafite che migliora la semplicità del processo. L'uranio è principalmente ospitato in leucograniti di tipo D, simili ad altri importanti depositi regionali. Il lavoro di prova è stato condotto su tre campioni di circolazione inversa della campagna di perforazione di agosto 2024 ed è stato valutato dall'esperto di metallurgia dell'uranio Bernard Sililo.
Critical One Energy (CSE: CRTL, OTCQB: MMTLF) ha anunciado resultados metalúrgicos prometedores de su Proyecto de Uranio Khan en la provincia de Erongo, Namibia. Las pruebas revelaron tasas de recuperación de uranio excepcionales que oscilan entre el 71,1% y el 86,6%, con un consumo de ácido notablemente bajo de un máximo de 14,2 kg/t, significativamente por debajo del estándar regional de la Mina Husab, que es de 34 kg/t.
El proyecto mostró una presencia mínima de minerales refractarios, con bajos niveles de niobio y tantalio no detectados, lo que sugiere contenido de betafita que mejora la simplicidad del procesamiento. El uranio se encuentra principalmente en leucogranitos tipo D, similares a otros importantes depósitos regionales. El trabajo de prueba se realizó en tres muestras de circulación inversa de la campaña de perforación de agosto de 2024, y fue evaluado por el experto en metalurgia de uranio Bernard Sililo.
Critical One Energy (CSE: CRTL, OTCQB: MMTLF)는 나미비아 에롱고 지방의 칸 우라늄 프로젝트에서 유망한 금속 시험 결과를 발표했습니다. 시험 결과 우라늄 회수율이 71.1%에서 86.6%까지 다양하게 나타났으며, 산의 소비도 최대 14.2 kg/t로 낮아, 지역 기준인 후사브 광산의 34 kg/t보다 훨씬 낮은 수치입니다.
이 프로젝트는 난해한 광물의 존재가 최소화된 것을 보여주었으며, 니오븀의 저수준과 검출되지 않은 탄탈륨은 처리 단순성을 향상시키는 베타사이트의 존재를 시사합니다. 우라늄은 주로 D형 백석류에 함유되어 있으며, 이는 지역의 다른 주요 광산들과 유사합니다. 시험 작업은 2024년 8월 채굴 캠페인에서 세 개의 역순환 샘플을 바탕으로 수행되었으며, 우라늄 금속urgy 전문가인 Bernard Sililo에 의해 평가되었습니다.
Critical One Energy (CSE: CRTL, OTCQB: MMTLF) a annoncé des résultats métallurgiques prometteurs de son projet d'uranium Khan dans la province d'Erongo, en Namibie. Les tests ont révélé des taux de récupération d'uranium exceptionnels allant de 71,1% à 86,6%, avec une consommation d'acide remarquablement basse de 14,2 kg/t au maximum, bien inférieure à la référence régionale de la mine de Husab qui est de 34 kg/t.
Le projet a montré une présence minimale de minéraux réfractaires, avec de faibles niveaux de niobium et un tantale non détecté, suggérant un contenu de bétaïte qui améliore la simplicité du traitement. L'uranium est principalement hébergé dans des leucogranites de type D, similaires à d'autres dépôts régionaux majeurs. Le travail d'essai a été réalisé sur trois échantillons de circulation inverse de la campagne de forage d'août 2024 et a été évalué par l'expert en métallurgie de l'uranium Bernard Sililo.
Critical One Energy (CSE: CRTL, OTCQB: MMTLF) hat vielversprechende metallurgische Testergebnisse aus seinem Khan-Uranprojekt in der Erongo-Provinz, Namibia, bekannt gegeben. Die Tests zeigten außergewöhnliche Uranrückgewinnungsraten, die von 71,1% bis 86,6% variieren, mit einem bemerkenswert niedrigen Säureverbrauch von maximal 14,2 kg/t, was deutlich unter dem regionalen Benchmark der Husab-Mine von 34 kg/t liegt.
Das Projekt wies eine minimale Präsenz von refractory-Mineralien auf, mit niedrigen Niob-Gehalten und nicht nachgewiesenem Tantal, was auf einen betafitgehalt hinweist, der die Verarbeitung vereinfacht. Das Uran ist hauptsächlich in D-Typ-Leukograniten enthalten, ähnlich wie andere bedeutende regionale Lagerstätten. Die Testarbeiten wurden an drei Proben aus der Reverse-Circulation-Bohrkampagne im August 2024 durchgeführt und von dem Uranmetallurgie-Experten Bernard Sililo bewertet.
- High uranium recovery rates between 71.1% and 86.6%
- Significantly lower acid consumption (14.2 kg/t max) compared to regional benchmark (34 kg/t)
- Low levels of problematic refractory minerals, indicating simpler processing requirements
- Test results are preliminary and in scope
- Project still requires further studies to refine processing strategies
TORONTO, Jan. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Critical One Energy Inc. (formerly Madison Metals Inc.) (“Critical One”) (CSE: CRTL) (OTCQB: MMTLF) (FSE: 4EF0) is pleased to share the results of initial metallurgical test work at its Khan Uranium Project at Madison West in Namibia’s highly prospective Erongo uranium province. The results demonstrate excellent uranium recovery rates and low acid consumption, reinforcing the project’s potential as a high-quality, cost-efficient uranium asset.
Highlights of the Metallurgical Test Work:
- Uranium Recovery: Initial test work achieved recovery rates ranging from
71.1% to86.6% , indicating strong extractability. - Low Acid Consumption: Acid consumption was measured at a maximum of 14.2 kg/t, significantly below regional benchmarks like the Husab Mine, which averages 34 kg/t.
- Minimal Refractory Minerals: Low levels of niobium (Nb) and tantalum (Ta) suggest limited betafite, enhancing processing simplicity.
"These results firmly position our Khan project as a game-changer in the uranium industry," said Duane Parnham, Executive Chairman and CEO of Critical One. "With exceptional recovery rates and unparalleled cost efficiency, we are advancing toward redefining what’s possible in uranium production."
Evaluation of the results was carried out by Mr. Bernard Sililo. Mr. Sililo brings over 20 years of expertise in uranium metallurgy, having served as a metallurgist at Rössing Uranium and currently as a lecturer at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).
As at other significant uranium deposits in the region, such as Rössing, Husab and Valencia, uranium at Critical One’s Khan Project is hosted mainly in D-type leucogranites with limited mineralization at the contact zones with the country rocks. The Company conducted bottle roll leach tests from three reverse circulation samples collected during the August 2024 drilling campaign (see Table 1).
The main aim of the test work was to obtain an indication of acid consumption to be expected (acid consumption index - ACI) and ascertain U₃O₈ recovery. Uranium extraction achieved ranges from
Additionally, the samples were analyzed for Nb and Ta, which are minor elements present in betafite—a refractory uranium-bearing mineral found in Rössing ore. At Rössing, betafite typically can constitute
Table 1: Results of the initial metallurgical test work
| Drillhole ID | Depth (metre) | Sample ID | Head grade (U₃O₈ ppm) | Recovery % | Acid consumption (kg/t) | Nb (ppm) | Ta (ppm) |
| RC003 | 144-145 | F5124 | 360.6 | 82.00 | 14.21 | 8.8 | <5 |
| RC005 | 61-64 | F5125 | 562.7 | 86.60 | 2.45 | 17.2 | <5 |
| RC005 | 115-116 | F5126 | 567 | 77.10 | 4.41 | 14.1 | <5 |
Critical One remains optimistic about these preliminary results and is committed to advancing the company’s understanding of the project’s potential. Further studies to be addressed during the next drilling phase will build on these findings to refine processing strategies and assess economic viability.
The Company is also pleased to report that the vendors have agreed to extend the contract (see news release dated April 27, 2023) for an additional three months after the Company has spent NAD
Qualified Person
Mary Barton, a Professional Natural Scientist (SACNASP) and a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for ML86A, has reviewed, verified, and approved the technical information contained in this news release.
About Critical One Energy Inc.
Critical One Energy Inc. (formerly Madison Metals Inc.) is a forward-focused critical minerals and upstream energy company, powering the future of clean energy and advanced technologies. Backed by seasoned management expertise and prime resource assets, Critical One is strategically positioned to meet the rising global demand for critical minerals and metals. Its mine exploration portfolio is led by antimony in Canada and uranium in Namibia, Africa. By leveraging its technical, managerial, and financial expertise, the Company upgrades and creates high-value projects while joint venturing non-core assets to generate cash flow, driving growth and delivering value for its shareholders.
Additional information about Critical One Energy Inc. can be found at madisonmetals.ca and on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at sedarplus.ca.
For further information, please contact:
Duane Parnham
Executive Chairman & CEO
Critical One Energy Inc.
+1 (416) 489-0092
ir@madisonmetals.ca
Media inquiries:
Adam Bello
Manager, Media & Analyst Relations
Primoris Group Inc.
+1 (416) 489-0092
media@primorisgroup.com
Neither the CSE nor CIRO accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by words or phrases such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “likely”, “should”, “would”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “potential”, “proposed”, “estimate”, “believe” or the negative of these terms, or other similar words, expressions, and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” happen, or by discussions of strategy.
Where the Company expresses or implies an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or belief is based on assumptions made in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. However, forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, projected, or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, but are not limited to, the risk that the Company will not be able to proceed with the issuance of units on the terms described in this press release or at all; and that the Company will not have the necessary resources, financial or otherwise, to conduct the planned exploration activities referenced in this press release.
Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements and the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as at the date hereof and are based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations, and opinions of management on such date. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise any such forward-looking statements or any forward-looking statements contained in any other documents whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required under applicable securities law. Readers are cautioned to consider these and other factors, uncertainties, and potential events carefully and not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information.
FAQ
What are the uranium recovery rates achieved at Critical One's Khan Project (MMTLF)?
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