Ur-Energy has started uranium mining at its Shirley Basin project in Wyoming.
The start-up gives Ur-Energy a second in-situ recovery operation in the United States, alongside Lost Creek, and moves Shirley Basin from development into production ramp-up.
Initial mining is focused on Mine Unit 1, where uranium-bearing solution is now being recovered. Concentrations are expected to build as the wellfield is conditioned and additional circuits are brought online.
The project is also designed to use existing infrastructure. Uranium-loaded resin from Shirley Basin is expected to be transported to Lost Creek for final processing, drying and packaging, subject to regulatory inspection and approval.
Shirley Basin has licensed annual wellfield and toll processing capacity of up to 2 million pounds of U3O8 equivalent. Together with Lost Creek, Ur-Energy has stated licensed annual production and toll processing capacity of 4.2 million pounds. The project therefore gives the company a larger operating base in Wyoming and a clearer route to increased US uranium output.
Geiger Counter Limited (LON:GCL) is a Jersey closed-end investment company, which invests in uranium exploration and production stocks.
