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Rosatom veut lancer Mkuju River, la première mine d’uranium de Tanzanie, d’ici 2029

Agence Ecofin 31 juillet 2025

Face à la baisse des cours mondiaux de l’uranium, Rosatom a suspendu en 2017 le développement de son projet Mkuju River en Tanzanie. Alors que le marché connaît un rebond avec une remontée des prix en 2024, la compagnie envisage déjà de relancer les activités sur le site.

Mantra Tanzania, filiale opérationnelle de Rosatom en Tanzanie, prévoit de mettre en service son projet d’uranium Mkuju River d’ici 2029. C’est l’annonce faite par la compagnie russe dans un communiqué publié le mercredi 30 juillet, lors de l’inauguration d’une usine pilote de traitement d’uranium sur le site.

Destiné à devenir la première mine d’uranium de Tanzanie, le projet de développement de Mkuju River a été suspendu en 2017 en raison de la baisse des cours mondiaux de l’uranium à l’époque. Les travaux ont toutefois repris sur le site ces derniers mois, l’usine pilote annoncée devant permettre à l’opérateur d’optimiser le plan de développement de la future mine. Rosatom envisage en effet de se servir des résultats de cette phase expérimentale comme « base à la conception du complexe de traitement principal ».

Selon les détails disponibles, la construction de la mine Mkuju River débutera au premier trimestre 2026. Elle affiche, apprend-on, une capacité de production allant jusqu’à 3000 tonnes d’uranium par an, et peut générer plus de 4000 nouveaux emplois dans le secteur minier. Notons que ce développement survient dans un contexte favorable pour le marché de l’uranium.

En janvier 2024, le prix du combustible nucléaire a franchi pour la première fois depuis 2007 la barre des 100 USD la livre, sur fond de regain d’intérêt pour le nucléaire civil. Selon la World Nuclear Association (WNA), cette situation devrait alimenter une hausse de 28% de la demande mondiale d’uranium entre 2023 et 2030, puis de 51% entre 2031 et 2040. Si Rosatom peut potentiellement profiter d’une telle croissance avec Mkuju River, les détails relatifs au développement du projet restent encore flous.

D’après les estimations précédentes, le coût du projet était estimé à 1,2 milliard USD. Le lancement d’une évaluation environnementale stratégique (SEA) de la mine a également été annoncé en novembre 2024. De nouvelles mises à jour des opérations seront déterminantes pour faire la lumière sur les contours liés à la mise en œuvre du projet.

Laramide secures development licence for Queensland uranium project
The approved MDL area encompasses all of Westmoreland’s defined uranium deposits – Redtree, Huarabagoo, Junnagunna and Long Pocket.

July 18, 2025

Canadian miner Laramide Resources, through its Australian subsidiary Tackle Resources, has received approval from the Queensland Government for a mineral development licence (MDL) for the Westmoreland uranium project.

This approval lays the groundwork for the company to progress with project permitting, feasibility studies and other preparatory activities essential for a future mining lease application.

The approved MDL area encompasses all of Westmoreland’s defined uranium deposits – Redtree, Huarabagoo, Junnagunna and Long Pocket – which were part of an economic analysis in 2016.
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Laramide Announces an Increase in Mineral Resource Estimate for Westmoreland Uranium Project

February 28, 2025

Highlights:

The Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for Westmoreland has been updated to include results from drilling carried out in 2012, 2023 & 2024.

The updated Mineral Resource Estimate reports a Total Indicated Resource of 48.1 MLbs. of U3O8 at an average grade of 770 ppm and a Total Inferred Resource of approximately 17.7 MLbs. of U3O8 at an average grade of 680 ppm.

70% (48.1 MLbs.) of the Resource is now classified Indicated and 30% (17.7 MLbs.) is classified Inferred.

Update includes re-estimate of the Redtree, Huarabagoo and Junnagunna deposits as well as an Initial Resource for Long Pocket.
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McClean Lake mine resumes production after 17-year hiatus

Friday, 18 July 2025

Uranium mining operations have started at the McClean Lake project in Saskatchewan, Canada, using the Surface Access Borehole Resource Extraction mining method, joint venture partners Orano Canada and Denison Mines have announced.

McClean Lake is in the eastern part of the Athabasca Basin region in northern Saskatchewan, about 750 kilometres north of Saskatoon. The McClean Lake Joint Venture (MLJV) is 77.5% owned by Orano Canada and 22.5% by Denison. Orano Canada is the operator. Mining operations were suspended in 2008 due to declining uranium prices.

In January 2024, Orano Canada and Denison announced that production was to restart at McClean Lake using their patented Surface Access Borehole Resource Extraction (SABRE) mining method.

At that time, the companies said they intended to begin mining at the McClean North deposit in 2025, targeting production of 800,000 pounds U3O8 (308 tU, 100% basis) in 2025. Around 3 million pounds U3O8 (100% basis) has been identified for potential additional production from a combination of the McClean North and Caribou deposits from 2026 to 2030.

Orano Canada and Denison have now announced that mining of the McClean North deposit using SABRE began last month, with about 250 tonnes of high-grade ore (+10% U3O8) estimated to have been recovered from the first mining cavity. Orano Canada also said it has successfully backfilled the first cavity, advanced the SABRE rig to the planned second mining cavity, and commenced processing of the recovered ore at the McClean Lake mill.


(Image: Denison Mines)

"The first commercial production of uranium with the SABRE technique marks a new chapter, allowing us to access and explore new territories," said Orano Mining President Xavier Saint Martin Tillet. "This innovation reinforces our commitment to delivering a reliable and responsible supply of natural uranium to nuclear power producers worldwide, supporting the generation of low-carbon electricity."

Orano Canada's President and CEO Jim Corman added, "Our long-term investment in R&D within Orano and the MLJV has culminated in the safe mining, milling and packaging of ore that in the past would have been deemed economically challenging to develop ... It truly is an innovative and exciting time to be in the uranium industry."

"The successful commencement of SABRE mining at McClean North marks a significant milestone in the history of the MLJV, as the joint venture returns to active mining operations for the first time since 2008," said Denison President and CEO David Cates.

What is SABRE?

SABRE is a non-entry, surface-based mining method that uses a high-pressure water jet placed at the bottom of a drill hole to excavate a mining cavity. The cuttings from the excavation process are then air lifted to the surface, separated and stockpiled. This innovative mining method can potentially allow economic access to relatively small high-grade orebodies that are either too small or too deep to be mined economically by conventional open-pit and/or underground mining methods, the companies say.



SABRE also offers operational and environmental advantages compared with conventional mining techniques. It is selective and scalable, which the companies say makes it suited to changing uranium market conditions, with an expected production ramp-up of months instead of years. It is less intrusive and has a smaller surface footprint than conventional methods, with lower water usage and power consumption, and - as it is a non-entry mining method - minimises radiological exposure for mine workers.

A five-year SABRE test programme was completed at McClean Lake in 2021, excavating some 1,500 tonnes of ore.

"SABRE is unique in that the mining method can be selective and scalable, which has the potential to provide superior flexibility when compared to conventional mining methods and is thus ideally suited to ever changing uranium market conditions - with an expected production ramp up of months instead of years," according to the McClean Lake Joint Venture partners.

Uranium : Pioneer poursuit son offensive africaine avec le projet botswanais Botsalano

Agence Ecofin 15 juillet 2025

Selon les estimations officielles, le sous-sol africain renferme environ 20% des réserves mondiales d’uranium. Alors que l’intérêt pour le combustible nucléaire s’accroît de plus en plus en raison de la transition énergétique, le continent est au cœur des convoitises.

Ce mardi 15 juillet 2025, Pioneer Lithium a annoncé l’obtention d’un permis d’exploration d’uranium sur le périmètre du projet Botsalano au Botswana. Une acquisition qui permet à cette compagnie minière canadienne d’accélérer sa percée dans le secteur uranifère africain, où elle détient également d’autres permis de prospection.

Pas plus tard que le mercredi 9 juillet, Pioneer a en effet annoncé l’acquisition du projet Gaobis en Namibie, un pays dans lequel elle explore déjà le projet Warmbad. Selon les détails fournis, Botsalano affiche une superficie de 815 km2, le long de la frontière avec l’Afrique du Sud. En comparaison, le projet Gaobis s’étend sur un domaine de 350 km2, alors que Warmbad couvre un périmètre 271 km2.

« L'ajout du projet Botsalano enrichit le portefeuille croissant de projets d'uranium de Pioneer et renforce l'objectif de Pioneer de devenir un fournisseur mondial de minéraux essentiels à la transition mondiale vers une alimentation électrique durable à faibles émissions de carbone », a expliqué Michael Beven, PDG de la compagnie.

Ces acquisitions s’inscrivent en effet dans un contexte de regain d’intérêt pour le nucléaire. Alors que les grandes puissances entendent augmenter leur capacité installée d’énergie nucléaire conformément aux engagements pris lors du COP28 en 2023, la demande d’uranium est aussi appelée à croître. Selon la World Nuclear Association (WNA), elle devrait augmenter de 28% entre 2023 et 2030, puis de 51% entre 2031 et 2040.

L’Afrique, qui renferme selon les estimations 20% des réserves mondiales, bénéficie ainsi d’un intérêt croissant d’investisseurs comme Pioneer. Les acquisitions de cette dernière se localisent d’ailleurs dans des zones stratégiques comme la Namibie, premier pays producteur du continent et troisième à l’échelle mondiale. Le Botswana est également au cœur des dynamiques, abritant notamment le gisement Letlhakane (Lotus Resources) capable de livrer 3 millions de livres d’uranium par an sur 10 ans.

La concrétisation des ambitions africaines de Pioneer dépendra toutefois de l’avancée des travaux d’exploration prévus sur ses différents projets. De la découverte d’un éventuel gisement à la réalisation d’études prouvant le potentiel commercial de ses ressources, plusieurs années peuvent encore s’écouler. En attendant, la société veut déjà lancer les hostilités, avec un programme de terrain d’ores et déjà prévu à Botsalano.

Uranium : GoviEx espère renforcer le potentiel du projet zambien Muntanga avec l’exploration

Agence Ecofin 25 juin 2025

Avec le développement du gisement Muntanga, GoviEx ambitionne d’intégrer la Zambie au cercle des producteurs africains d’uranium. Quelques mois après la publication d’une étude de faisabilité, la société pense déjà à optimiser son potentiel géologique et économique.

GoviEx Uranium, société minière basée à Vancouver au Canada, a annoncé le mardi 24 juin le lancement de son programme d’exploration 2025 sur le projet Muntanga en Zambie. Cette campagne qui survient quelques mois après la publication d’une étude de faisabilité, vise à « améliorer l’économie globale du projet en augmentant la taille des ressources, en prolongeant la durée de vie de la mine et en identifiant de nouveaux gisements ».

Dans le détail, GoviEx prévoit de forer 35 trous pour environ 3500 mètres au cours de cette nouvelle phase d’exploration, avec l’objectif de tester « quatre zones hautement prioritaires ». Il s’agit du gisement de Dibbwi, des cibles de Muntanga Est et Dibbwi Sud, ainsi que du prospect Chisebuka. Située dans la vallée de Kariba, à 70 km au sud-est de Muntanga, cette dernière cible affiche, apprend-on, des caractéristiques similaires avec les gisements de Muntanga-Dibbwi, mais elle reste encore inexplorée.

« Le projet Muntanga repose déjà sur des ressources solides, mais ce qui nous inspire vraiment, c'est la possibilité de le développer - à la fois à proximité des gisements existants et dans la vallée de Kariba, qui, selon nous, pourrait véritablement changer la donne. Il s'agit de l'une des ceintures d'uranium les moins explorées d'Afrique, et nous commençons à peine à en comprendre l'ampleur réelle » a déclaré Govind Friedland, le président de GoviEx.

A ce stade, Muntanga héberge des réserves minérales de 21,9 millions de livres d’uranium, ainsi que des ressources mesurées et indiquées de 40 millions de livres d’uranium. Selon l’étude de faisabilité publiée en janvier dernier, le projet peut produire annuellement 2,2 millions de livres d’uranium sur une durée de vie de 12 ans. Son développement devrait nécessiter un investissement initial de 281,9 millions USD, récupérable 3,8 ans après le démarrage de la production.

Pour l’heure, le calendrier de la campagne d’exploration n’a pas été spécifié, et on ignore encore l’investissement prévu pour sa mise en œuvre. Bien qu’une optimisation du potentiel de Muntanga puisse être déterminante pour son développement, la sécurisation du financement et l’obtention des permis environnementaux restent également des étapes clés à franchir dans le cadre de ce processus.

Pour rappel, GoviEx envisage de lancer la production à Muntanga en 2028. Un développement qui pourrait marquer l’entrée de la Zambie dans le cercle des producteurs africains d’uranium, dans un contexte de regain d’intérêt pour l’énergie nucléaire.

No takers for Nova Scotia uranium blocks post-ban lift

Staff Writer | June 12, 2025

Nova Scotia, having recently lifted its decades-long ban on uranium exploration, says it has not received any bids for the request for proposals (RFPs) covering three areas prospective of the nuclear fuel.


The RFPs were announced last month by the government of Nova Scotia following its repeal of the province’s 44-year ban on uranium, which came into effect late March.

These RFPs called for individuals and companies to apply for exploration licences in three areas identified by the Department of Natural Resources to have higher levels of uranium: East Dalhousie, Louisville and Millet Brook. The application deadline was Wednesday, June 11.

“In the case of uranium specifically, there [were] no bids,” Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston told reporters in a news brief on Thursday.

Houston said that uranium was just one of many critical minerals that the province has listed for mining opportunities to grow what he considers to be the “worst performing economy in North America.”

Pushback on uranium

The province’s move to allow uranium exploration has been met with strong pushback. Multiple municipalities have requested a delay to assess potential effects, while the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs has condemned the lack of consultation.

The Nova Scotia chapter of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment also raised concerns about health risks, warning that uranium is both radioactive and chemically toxic, with the potential to contaminate water in high-rainfall regions.

However, Premier Houston said he believes uranium mining can be done safely. “There are a number of ways to explore for uranium,” he told CityNews. The province was once a hotbed of uranium exploration in the late 1970s, with tens of millions of dollars spent by major energy companies like Shell and Esso, before a moratorium was imposed due to health concerns.

According to the Mining Association of Nova Scotia (MANS), uranium mining methods now are much different than what they were some 40 years ago. Today, most uranium is mined using solution mining (aka in-situ leaching), which results in less disturbance at surface and produces basically no tailings or waste rock, it said.


More action needed

In response to the lack of RFP bidding results, MANS believes the next step the government needs to take is to cut red tape in permitting while maintaining environmental standards.

“Fixing permitting is essential because it takes an average of 17 years to get from mineral deposit discovery to actual mining – too slow to achieve climate goals,” MANS said in a statement issued Thursday.

“Permitting is a major bottleneck in the process. That is why jurisdictions across Canada and around the world are taking steps to expedite permitting, while continuing to ensure the highest environmental standards are applied.”

"gisements situés principalement dans le massif du Hoggar"

Réserves d’uranium : quelle place pour l’Algérie dans la région MENA ?

Article de Ali Aomar 09 juin 2025

La région Moyen-Orient-Afrique du Nord (MENA) dispose de réserves d'uranium significatives, bien que souvent méconnues. Les données recueillies par la plateforme spécialisée Attaqa, basée à Washington, révèlent que cinq pays de la région concentrent l'essentiel des ressources identifiées.

Parmi eux, l'Algérie occupe une place notable avec des gisements situés principalement dans le massif du Hoggar. Ces réserves, estimées à environ 29 000 tonnes, placent le pays au troisième rang régional derrière l'Arabie saoudite (60 000 à 90 000 tonnes) et l'Égypte (50 000 tonnes). La Jordanie (42 000 tonnes) et la Mauritanie (41 270 tonnes) complètent le tableau.

La particularité du cas algérien

Les gisements algériens, découverts dans les années 1970, présentent des caractéristiques géologiques particulières. Concentrés dans les régions du Hoggar et de Tassili N'Ajjer, ils nécessitent des techniques d'extraction spécifiques. En 2012, les autorités algériennes ont pris la décision de geler l'exploitation de ces ressources, invoquant des considérations stratégiques. Ce moratoire, toujours en vigueur, n'a cependant pas remis en cause l'évaluation des réserves disponibles, régulièrement confirmée par les experts internationaux.

Le développement d'une filière uranium en Algérie se heurte à plusieurs obstacles majeurs. Sur le plan technique, l'extraction nécessiterait des investissements estimés à plus de 2 milliards de dollars, selon les études préliminaires. Les aspects réglementaires constituent un autre défi, le pays ne disposant pas encore de cadre législatif spécifique pour l'industrie nucléaire civile. Par ailleurs, les questions environnementales et de sécurité représentent des préoccupations majeures pour les autorités et les populations locales.

Contexte international et perspectives

La demande mondiale en uranium devrait connaître une croissance soutenue dans les prochaines décennies, portée par le développement des programmes nucléaires civils. Plusieurs pays de la région MENA ont déjà engagé des projets ambitieux. L'Arabie saoudite prévoit ainsi de développer 17 gigawatts de capacité nucléaire d'ici 2040, tandis que l'Égypte construit actuellement la centrale de Dabaa avec l'appui technique de la Russie. Ces initiatives pourraient inciter l'Algérie à reconsidérer sa position stratégique.

Les observateurs internationaux soulignent que le développement d'une filière uranium pourrait offrir à l'Algérie des opportunités significatives. Outre la diversification de son mix énergétique, le pays pourrait envisager des partenariats technologiques avec des acteurs majeurs comme la Chine ou la Russie, qui ont déjà manifesté leur intérêt.

Collaboration aims to develop Swedish uranium deposits

Monday, 2 June 2025

Australian mineral company Aura Energy and Neu Horizon Uranium Limited plan to enter into a strategic collaboration agreement to develop Sweden's uranium resources should the country remove its prohibition on uranium mining.

Aura Energy owns the Häggån vanadium, potash and uranium project in Sweden, which is claimed to be "one of the largest undeveloped uranium resources globally" with an Inferred Mineral Resource of 800 million pounds of contained U3O8 (307,718 tU).

Neu Horizon Uranium is an Australian-based unlisted public company focused on advancing Sweden's uranium resources. The company holds a portfolio of high potential uranium projects in key mineralised regions of Sweden.

The two companies have agreed to enter into a collaboration agreement under which Aura Energy will invest AUD100,000 (USD64,930) for a minority stake in Neu Horizon Uranium. The two companies will collaborate on key initiatives, including: government and regulatory engagement; technical cooperation on uranium extraction and processing; and administrative synergies to enhance operational efficiency.

Uranium exploration and mining has been prohibited in Sweden since 2018, but in February last year Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari announced that a government inquiry would look into abolishing the ban. In December, the inquiry concluded that Sweden should remove its prohibition on uranium mining to allow it to be exploited like other natural resources regulated under the Minerals Act. The government is now working through legislative process to change the legislation which is expected to be presented to Parliament for enactment on 1 January 2026.

"The Swedish government's step towards lifting the uranium mining ban mark a transformational moment for the country's energy future," said Aura Energy Chair Phil Mitchell. "Aura Energy is proud to be playing a leadership role in advancing Sweden's uranium sector. Our collaboration with Neu Horizon Uranium positions us to capitalise on the country's exceptional geological endowment and support its uranium ambitions."

Neu Horizon Uranium Chair Martin Holland added: "Every now and again, along comes an incredible opportunity in mining. This is happening in Sweden with uranium in 2025. Our collaboration with Aura Energy is a strategic step towards unlocking Sweden's uranium potential. Sweden holds large quantities of uranium resources, and this collaboration will facilitate progress in regulatory engagement and technical advancements, aligning with Sweden's vision for energy security."

Denison sticks to Phoenix timeline with 2026 construction in sight

13th May 2025 By: Mariaan Webb

Uranium exploration and development company Denison Mines is aiming to break ground on its flagship Phoenix in-situ recovery (ISR) uranium project in northern Saskatchewan in early 2026, keeping the company on track for first production by mid-2028.

The Canadian company recently received confirmation that a public hearing for its Wheeler River uranium project, which includes the Phoenix deposit, will be held late this year, a key milestone toward securing federal approvals. The hearings, scheduled by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), will take place in October and December.


“With the CNSC announcing in the first quarter of 2025 the scheduling of a public hearing for our flagship Phoenix ISR project in late 2025, our focus for the remainder of the year has shifted to completion of the detailed design engineering phase and advancement of construction planning and procurement efforts,” said Denison president and CEO David Cates in the company's first-quarter report.

The Phoenix ISR project is poised to become the first new large-scale uranium mine in the region since the Cigar Lake operation entered production in 2014. Denison said engineering for Phoenix was now about 75% complete, and procurement activities were well under way, with more than C$7-million already funded and an additional C$67-million committed to long-lead capital purchases.

“Our plans are designed to put us in a position to start construction in early 2026, following anticipated regulatory approvals,” Cates added. “Based on this timeline, we expect to be able to maintain our previous guidance of first production from Phoenix by mid-2028.”

The company continues to emphasize its strong financial position as a differentiator among developers. As of the first quarter, Denison holds 2.2-million pounds of physical uranium, maintains a healthy cash balance, and carries no debt.

“Denison remains in an enviable financial position – able to fund both our pre-final investment decision investments in Phoenix and important potential future growth initiatives,” Cates said.

In parallel with Phoenix, Denison is advancing development at its McClean Lake Joint Venture with Orano Canada. Preparations are under way to begin mining the McClean North deposit using the group’s patented Surface Access Borehole Resource Extraction, or SABRE, method in mid-2025.

“Thus far this year, site preparation activities have recommenced and we are expecting mining to commence in the coming months," Cates reported.

Denison is also expanding its footprint in early-stage exploration through partnerships with Cosa Resources and Foremost Clean Energy. Early drill results from these collaborations have shown promise, with Cosa identifying a 2-km strike extension at Murphy Lake North and Foremost reporting a new uranium discovery at Hatchet Lake.

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Nova Scotia lifts uranium ban, issues request for proposals

Thursday, 15 May 2025

The Canadian province has updated its critical minerals list to include uranium and issued a request for proposals for uranium exploration and research in areas with known uranium deposits after repealing legislation that banned uranium exploration and mining.


The three areas with known uranium deposits are marked in this map, from the Request for Proposals (Image: Government of Nova Scotia)

Uranium is one of four minerals added by the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources to its critical minerals list in an update to the province's critical minerals strategy, bringing the total number in the list to 20. A new list of four "strategic minerals" - aggregate, gold, gypsum and potash - has also been drawn up.

"This update shows that we are moving forward to unlock the full potential of Nova Scotia's abundant natural resources," said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources. "We've lifted blanket bans and we're targeting minerals that are in great demand for the clean energy transition in Canada and around the world. We're also focusing on minerals that will help us grow our economy and create good-paying jobs for Nova Scotians."

According to the Mining Association of Nova Scotia, the province experienced a "boom in uranium exploration" from around 1976 to 1981, when tens of millions of dollars were spent on exploration by various companies. Uranium occurrences were documented all over Nova Scotia, and other minerals were also discovered during this period as a result of exploration for uranium. But uranium exploration came to an end in 1981 with the imposition of the moratorium - which according to the Mining Association was "politically-motivated" and had no basis in scientific evidence.

The Nova Scotia Legislature passed a bill repealing that ban on 25 March this year, with the bill coming into effect the next day.

Following the repeal, the Department of Natural Resources has issued a request for proposals from individuals and companies interested in exploring for uranium in the areas of East Dalhousie, Louisville, Millet Brook, which are already known to have "higher levels of uranium" and for which permits are required before exploration can begin. Proposals must be submitted by 11 June, the Department intending to issue exploration licences on 11 July.

For most other areas of the province, companies that are licensed by the Department of Natural Resources can begin exploration for uranium using "non-disturbance activities to examine the rocks, soil and collect hand samples" without needing a permit, but are required to inform the Department of their intent to do so.

According to the Mining Association of Nova Scotia, Millet Brook - discovered in 1978 - is the largest known uranium deposit in the province with "at least 1.3 million pounds of 0.2% uranium".

"Ending Nova Scotia's uranium ban allows the industry to do exploration and determine whether our uranium deposits, including Millet Brook's, are economically viable," the association said. "It also generates more data on the province's geology which governments can use to help keep Nova Scotians safe from geohazards like radon and uranium in drinking water."

Lotus obtient le feu vert réglementaire pour exploiter l’uranium de Kayelekera au Malawi

Agence Ecofin 05 mai 2025

A l’arrêt depuis 2014, la mine d’uranium Kayelekera devrait être redémarrée d’ici le troisième trimestre 2025 par Lotus Resources. Pour respecter ce calendrier, la compagnie accélère sur l’obtention des licences réglementaires nécessaires à la relance de cet actif.

Lotus Resources a annoncé ce lundi 5 mai l’obtention de l’approbation de l’Autorité de régulation de l’énergie atomique (AERA) pour la reprise des opérations d’extraction et de traitement de l’uranium de Kayelekera au Malawi. Ce développement réglementaire marque une avancée de plus pour la société qui prévoit de lancer les activités sur le site d’ici le troisième trimestre 2025.

« L’examen et l’évaluation par l’AERA de la documentation soumise par Lotus, y compris l’évaluation du plan provisoire de fermeture de la mine, ont été jugés satisfaisants. L’AERA a indiqué qu’elle effectuerait une inspection de vérification à Kayelekera une fois que les opérations auront commencé » peut-on lire dans le communiqué publié par Lotus Resources.

L’octroi de ce feu vert réglementaire est nécessaire pour un projet comme Kayelekera, en raison des risques environnementaux liés à l’exploitation de l’uranium, un minerai radioactif. Cela garantit que le projet est conforme aux normes de sécurité nucléaire, de sorte à assurer la sûreté des travailleurs et des populations environnantes.

Cette autorisation désormais acquise, Lotus Resources attend le feu vert de l’Agence de protection de l’environnement du Malawi (MEPA) pour l’étude d’impact environnemental et social (EIES) du projet. Il s’agirait en effet de la dernière étape préalable à la mise en exploitation de la mine. La compagnie indique que l’évaluation de sa demande est en cours de finalisation, sans préciser de délai concernant l’approbation de la MEPA.

Pour rappel, Lotus veut produire 19,3 millions de livres d’uranium sur 10 ans à Kayelekera, où les opérations sont suspendues depuis 2014. En octobre 2024, Lotus a annoncé la conclusion d’engagements financiers avec des investisseurs pour lever 87 millions USD dans le cadre d’un placement d’actions. Ce montant devrait servir à couvrir les coûts de relance de la mine, estimés à 50 millions USD.

China discovers major uranium deposit in Ordos Basin

By Global Times Published: Jan 10, 2025

China has discovered a substantial uranium deposit in the Jingchuan area of the Ordos Basin in the northwestern region of the country, the China Geological Survey under the Ministry of Natural Resources announced on Friday in a press release sent to the Global Times.

The discovery will significantly increase the country's uranium resources and effectively enhance the security of uranium resources in the country, according to the press release.

The discovery represents the first ultra-large uranium deposit found in a region dominated by aeolian sandstone in the world. Such landforms are also prevalent in other petroliferous areas in China, such as the Tarim, Junggar and Songliao basins.

It is also a major step forward in the exploration of new types of uranium mines since the implementation of the country's new round of strategic actions for mineral exploration breakthroughs, the China Geological Survey said.

The China Geological Survey, in collaboration with provincial, regional and municipal geological exploration departments and mining enterprises, is also exploring new lithium mines nationwide.

China's largest natural uranium production project starts construction

Source: XinhuaEditor: huaxia2024-july-12

China's largest natural uranium production project started construction on Friday in Ordos in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, according to China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA).

Part of CAEA's nuclear industry development plan, the project is being developed by China National Nuclear Corporation. It will become a natural uranium production base with the highest standards, featuring green, economical, intelligent and efficient operations.

The project will adopt an advanced mining process that employs carbon dioxide and oxygen leaching. Unlike traditional underground mining methods, this technique can extract uranium through a closed-loop circulation of the uranium solution without lifting the ores to the surface for processing.

Through this approach natural uranium production can achieve zero emissions of water, gas and solid wastes, promoting sustainable operations with low carbon emissions.

The project will also integrate advanced technologies such as automation, remote and centralized control, and big data analysis to realize intelligent operation analysis and precise mining.

Once completed, the project will further enhance China's capacity for natural uranium supply, and improve the independent innovation capability of the natural uranium industry and its international competitiveness, the CAEA said.

Natural uranium is the material foundation for the development of China's nuclear industry and an important strategic resource and energy mineral for ensuring national security.

Nuclear power generation on the Chinese mainland reached 440,000 gigawatt-hours in 2023, accounting for nearly 5 percent of total national electricity output. The country has established a self-reliant and comprehensive nuclear industry chain system, ensuring a secure and stable supply of nuclear fuel.

District Publishes Viken Resource Estimate

April 29, 2025

District Metals announced an NI 43-101 compliant inferred and indicated mineral resource estimate for its Viken Energy Metals deposit in central Sweden. Based on historic drilling data, the new estimate returned over 1.5 billion pounds of contained uranium, making it officially the second-largest uranium deposit in the world.

Although possible to further grow the inferred resource, the company plans to focus future economic studies on a smaller portion of the deposit to lower capital expenditures and support the social license of the planned development.

District Metals- Viken Deposit Resource Estimate: Confirmed as 2nd Largest Uranium Resource Globally

I’m joined by Garrett Ainsworth, President and CEO of District Metals (TSX.V:DMX – OTCQB:DMXCF – Nasdaq First North: DMXSE SDB), to break down the newly announced resource estimate at the Viken Deposit in Sweden. With 1.5 billion pounds of U₃O₈ at 161 ppm, Viken now ranks as the second-largest uranium deposit in the world.

Key topics covered:

Major upgrade from the 2014 historical estimate with 44% growth in Inferred and 900%+ in Indicated categories.
Garrett explains how the company advanced the resource without drilling, leveraging historical data.
Comparison to other global uranium projects, including Olympic Dam and legacy M&A deals in Southern Africa.
Strategic value of the deposit’s polymetallic makeup, which includes vanadium, nickel, molybdenum, copper, zinc, and potentially rare earth elements.
Plans for upcoming field work, geophysics, and preparation for a PEA (Preliminary Economic Assessment) pending Sweden’s uranium moratorium vote in September.
Why this resource could have far-reaching strategic and permitting benefits for Sweden and the EU.

From April to December 2023, District Metals consolidated 100% of the Viken Energy Metals Deposit located in Jämtland County, central Sweden (Figures 1 and 2) through mineral license application and acquisition.

The Viken Deposit contains an Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 4.3 Billion Tonnes at a Grade of 161 ppm U3O8 Containing 1.5 Billion Pounds U3O8, which is the largest undeveloped mineral resource estimate of uranium in the world along with significant mineral resource estimates of vanadium, molybdenum, nickel, copper, zinc, and other important and critical raw materials1.

Invest now to secure long-term uranium future, Red Book says

Tuesday, 8 April 2025

The trend of declining uranium exploration and mine development expenditure has been reversed - but substantial investment in new mining projects will be essential to meet nuclear power generation projections to 2050 and beyond, according to the latest edition of the key OECD/IAEA joint report.



Uranium 2024: Resources, Production and Demand is the latest edition of the uranium reference produced jointly by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) and the International Atomic Energy Agency. Commonly known as the Red Book, the first edition was published in 1965.

The data reported in the latest edition covers calendar years 2021 and 2022, drawn from 62 country reports on uranium exploration, resources, production and reactor-related requirements which are either prepared from officially reported government data and narratives, or by the secretariats of the two agencies. The report includes projections for nuclear generating capacity and reactor-related uranium requirements through to 2050, and discussion of long-term uranium supply and demand issues. Some information for 2023 and 2024 is also included in its discussions.

Total global uranium resources are largely unchanged compared with the previous edition of the Red Book, with just more than 7.9 million tU of total identified resources recoverable at up to USD260/kgU. Australia continues to dominate world resources, with 28% of identified recoverable resources at up to USD130/kgU and 24% of the identified recoverable resources at up to USD260/kgU, followed by Kazakhstan and Canada. Globally, 95% of total identified resources in the USD130/kgU category, and more than 90% in the USD260/kgU category, is located in just 15 countries.

But the overall picture for exploration and mine development expenditures has changed dramatically, with a "persistent downward trend" that had been seen from 2015 to 2020 coming to an end. "Annual expenditures, which decreased to approximately USD380 million in 2020 from more than USD1.5 billion in the years prior to the downturn, recovered to USD800 million in 2022," the Red Book notes. "Preliminary data for 2023 expenditures suggest a further increase to USD840 million … Total expenditures reflect a response to the depressed uranium market that lasted from mid-2011, and a recent recovery that started in late-2020."

Decreased expenditures from 2015 to 2020 were due to persistently low uranium prices that slowed exploration and mine development projects. Rising uranium prices and increased interest in nuclear energy since 2020 have reversed that trend, and total exploration and mine development expenditures for 2021, 2022 and preliminary estimates for 2023 amongst the 27 reporting countries came to USD2.1 billion. Expenditure in six countries - Canada, China, Russia, India, Namibia and Uzbekistan - accounted for 90% of the total, with Canada alone accounting for 34%.

After five years of declining uranium production as major uranium-producing countries limited their output in response to a depressed uranium market, global uranium production also increased from 2020 to 2022, the report said.

Globally, 49,490 tU was produced in 17 countries in 2022 - a 4% increase on 2020 - and increased still further to 54,345 tU in 2023. Kazakhstan remained the world's largest producer, accounting for 43% of world production, followed by Canada, Namibia, Australia and Uzbekistan. In-situ leaching (ISL, also known as in-situ recovery) accounted for nearly 60% of global production in 2022, although the restart of the McArthur River underground mine in Canada meant that ISL's share of production for 2023 was around 23%.

Global nuclear capacity is expected to increase in the coming years as energy demand grows, the report found, with growing electricity demand and also alignment with national energy security objectives among the key factors shaping this growth. East Asia is projected to experience the largest increase, with additional capacity between 90% and 220% of the 111 GWe of existing nuclear in the region at the end of 2022.

"Security of supply will be essential for further nuclear capacity expansion and will, in turn, result in greater uranium demand," the report says. The current uranium resource base is sufficient to meet even high-demand projections to 2050 and beyond, but cumulative demand could exceed the world's current known resource base by the 2080s under the high-demand scenario and the 2110s under the low-demand scenario.
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