Alligator Energy (ASX: AGE) has commenced uranium extraction from its Samphire project in South Australia as part of a field recovery trial (FRT) following the completion of commissioning activities this month.
FRT test pattern pre-conditioning has been achieved, and Alligator has initiated the introduction of reagents which forms the lixiviant for extraction of uranium-bearing solution from the first trial wellfield.
Although it has not yet reached the targeted extraction rate, the company has confirmed the presence of initial concentrations of uranium in the pregnant liquor solution (PLS) flowing into the plant.
The pre-conditioning and recovery of uranium-bearing solution represents an important milestone in the FRT program, which is designed to operate for approximately four months and is expected to generate a consistent stream of operational and technical data.
The data will provide critical information on uranium recovery performance, operating parameters and wellfield behaviour, which will directly feed into a bankable feasibility study for the Samphire project.
Performing to Expectations
Alligator confirmed the Samphire pilot plant, wellfield infrastructure, and well flow rates were performing as designed and consistent with expectations for this stage of the trial.
The company will continue to monitor wellfield performance, lixiviant solution chemistry, and uranium extraction rates with the first meaningful recovery data expected in the coming weeks.
“This is another milestone for Samphire and reflects the consistent progress our team has made in systematically advancing and de-risking this project,” chief executive officer Andrea Marsland-Smith said.
“The start of uranium extraction is an exciting step towards further confidence in the project’s development pathway, particularly when the deposit is responding well to the in-situ recovery process in these early stages of the trial.”
Value-Accretive Workstreams
In parallel with the FRT program, Alligator is advancing several value-accretive workstreams across its uranium portfolio.
They include an upgrade to the Samphire mineral resource estimate (to incorporate the Plumbush satellite prospect), as well as the start of aggressive drilling campaigns at Samphire and nearby Big Lake project.
The company expects the work to position it for a period of sustained operational progress and strong news flow as it advances Samphire through FRT, resource growth, feasibility study work, and mining lease permitting activities.
