Uranium Energy has recommenced in situ recovery (ISR) uranium production at its Christensen Ranch operations in Wyoming, US.
Initial uranium concentrations from Mine Unit 10 are aligning with the company's projections and are expected to improve in the coming weeks.
The company has met all the planned start-up milestones including the recruitment and training of the workforce necessary for the operations at both the Irigaray CPP and Christensen Ranch.
This preparation is crucial for the anticipated increase in uranium production.
Uranium Energy president and CEO Amir Adnani said: “I am very proud of the Wyoming team who have executed as planned to achieve the restart of production.
“This is the moment we have been working towards for over a decade, having acquired and further developed leading US and Canadian assets with an exceptional, deeply experienced operations team.
“Global uranium market fundamentals are solid, with prospects for extraordinary growth in nuclear power and uranium demand.”
Nearly 40% of the new hires for this project hail from Johnson County, contributing to local employment, with additional staff coming from surrounding counties in Wyoming.
The first batch of yellowcake, a type of uranium concentrate powder, is scheduled for shipment in late 2024, aligning with the company's fiscal second quarter, which concludes on 31 January 2025. This milestone marks a significant step in the project's progress.
The uranium extracted from Christensen Ranch will be processed at the nearby Irigaray CPP, which is currently licensed to handle up to 2.5 million pounds (mlb) of triuranium octoxide annually.
An amendment to increase this capacity to 4mlb is under regulatory review.
Irigaray CPP serves as a central hub for four fully permitted ISR projects in Wyoming's Powder River Basin, including Christensen Ranch, highlighting its importance to the region's uranium production infrastructure.
Uranium Energy Wyoming operations vice-president Donna Wichers said: “The Christensen Ranch ISR Mine has successfully restarted and we are in full growth mode with initial recoveries from Mine Unit 10 to be followed with Mine Units 7 and 8 in the coming months.
“Additionally, we have drilled, cased and completed 55 wellfield patterns to extend Mine Unit 10 that will commence production in 2025. Further production growth is being developed with delineation drilling and monitor well planning at Mine Unit 11.”
