Denison Mines Corp. has achieved a major milestone by completing its inaugural In-Situ Recovery (ISR) field test program at the Midwest Uranium Project. This program involved detailed testing and data collection to assess the feasibility of ISR mining, marking a significant step forward for the project.
Successful Completion of the ISR Field Test Program
Program Overview
The ISR field test program was carried out at the Midwest Uranium Project, located in the Athabasca Basin region of northern Saskatchewan. Denison Mines Corp. holds a 25.17% ownership interest in this project, while Orano Canada Inc. operates and owns the remaining 74.83%. The program involved drilling ten small-diameter boreholes within the Midwest Main deposit to evaluate site-specific conditions for ISR mining.
Key Achievements
- Confirmed Hydraulic Conductivity: The program validated hydraulic connectivity within the mineralized zone, achieving hydraulic conductivity values consistent with prior studies.
- Permeability Enhancement: Effective methods of permeability enhancement were successfully deployed, demonstrating suitability for ISR mining.
- Metallurgical Samples Collection: Core samples were collected for future metallurgical tests to determine leaching characteristics.
Data Collection and Analysis
The program included a series of comprehensive tests on each borehole, creating an extensive database of geological, hydrogeological, geotechnical, and metallurgical data. This data validated key assumptions from previous studies and supports further evaluation of the site for ISR mining.
Collaboration and Expertise
Denison conducted the program in collaboration with Orano Canada, leveraging their significant global expertise in ISR mining. Denison’s industry leadership in the Athabasca Basin region further strengthened the project, resulting in a highly successful inaugural test program.
Key Achievements of the ISR Field Test Program
| Achievement | Description |
|---|---|
| Confirmed Hydraulic Conductivity | Validated hydraulic connectivity within the mineralized zone |
| Permeability Enhancement | Successfully deployed methods of permeability enhancement |
| Metallurgical Samples Collection | Collected core samples for future metallurgical tests to determine leaching characteristics |
Importance of the Midwest Uranium Project
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
The Midwest Uranium Project is strategically located approximately 25 kilometers from the McClean Lake Operation, which processes ore for the Cigar Lake mine. This proximity to existing infrastructure enhances the project’s feasibility and potential economic viability.
Historical and Future Potential
Initial exploration at Midwest began in 1966, with Denison becoming an owner in 1987. The project’s history includes extensive environmental assessments and feasibility studies, paving the way for future development. The recent ISR field test program represents the latest step in evaluating the site’s potential for uranium extraction via ISR mining.
Next Steps: Preliminary Economic Assessment
Building on Success
With the successful completion of the ISR field test program, Denison is proceeding with a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for ISR mining at Midwest. This assessment will build on the data acquired during the test program and the previously completed Concept Study.
Focus on Economic Viability
The PEA aims to evaluate the economic viability of ISR mining at the Midwest Main deposit, considering factors such as hydraulic conductivity, permeability enhancement, and leaching characteristics. The assessment will provide crucial insights into the potential for a profitable and sustainable ISR mining operation at the site.
In Conclusion
Denison Mines Corp.’s successful completion of the inaugural ISR field test program at the Midwest Uranium Project marks a significant milestone in evaluating the site’s potential for ISR mining.
The extensive data collected and the collaboration with Orano Canada highlight the project’s promising future.
As Denison moves forward with the Preliminary Economic Assessment, the Midwest Uranium Project stands poised to become a key player in the uranium mining industry.
Sources: THX News & Denison Mines Corp.
