Energy Fuels sets uranium production record at Pinyon Plain mine

U.S.-based Energy Fuels extracted 151,400 pounds of uranium in April, reaching an unprecedented level since the opening of its Pinyon Plain mine, while underground drilling reveals exceptionally high grades.

Share:

U.S. mining company Energy Fuels Inc. announced a record monthly uranium production in April at its Pinyon Plain mine located in Arizona. The company extracted 4,604 tons of ore containing approximately 151,400 pounds (68.65 tonnes) of triuranium octoxide (U3O8), with an average grade of 1.64% equivalent uranium (eU3O8), which it says ranks among the highest-grade uranium deposits ever mined in the United States.

Drilling results exceed previous estimates

Energy Fuels reported that the ore grades obtained in currently mined zones are significantly higher than those predicted by gamma probe readings from earlier drill campaigns. These findings suggest the mineable volume could be much greater than outlined in the Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) released in February 2023, prepared in accordance with S-K 1300 and NI 43-101 standards.

The company also released preliminary data from its ongoing underground drill campaign targeting the “Juniper Zone,” another mineralised area of the deposit. The 2023 report identified 703,000 pounds (318.99 tonnes) of Indicated Resources with an average grade of 0.95% eU3O8 in this zone. Recent drilling revealed several new high-grade intercepts, including a 4-foot (1.2 metre) section grading 20.11% eU3O8.

Potential increase in mineable resources

Forty-nine core holes have been drilled from two underground drill stations, all measured using gamma probes calibrated by the U.S. Department of Energy. Samples collected are currently being analysed. Energy Fuels plans further drilling in the Juniper Zone to better assess its economic and geological potential.

Ore extracted from Pinyon Plain is transported to the White Mesa Mill located in neighbouring Utah. This facility processes the ore into natural uranium concentrate (U3O8), which is then sold to nuclear utilities for conversion, enrichment, and fuel fabrication.

Production geared toward domestic demand

According to Energy Fuels, the increase in mineable reserves at the site could lower the cost per pound of production and support the supply chain for the U.S. domestic market. Nuclear energy currently accounts for around 18% of total U.S. electricity generation and nearly 50% of the country’s zero-emission power.

Tehran agrees to host experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency in the coming weeks, excluding any visit to sensitive sites as diplomatic tensions persist with European nations and the United States.
Standard Uranium announces the results of a high-resolution electromagnetic survey at the Corvo project, confirming 29 kilometres of conductive corridors and launching the planning of an inaugural drilling programme for 2026.
NANO Nuclear Energy assembles and tests its annular induction pump prototype, marking progress for its microreactor programmes and paving the way for potential commercialisation of the technology.
Hungary reaffirms its intent to double the capacity of its Paks nuclear power plant in partnership with Rosatom, with concrete works expected to begin in the autumn.
Arabelle Solutions, a subsidiary of EDF, will provide turbine island equipment for the first BWRX-300 small modular reactor project in Canada, marking a milestone for the industrialisation of SMRs in North America.
Framatome will supply nuclear fuel and technical services to ENEC, strengthening the United Arab Emirates’ energy supply chain for the Barakah nuclear plant.
French start-up Stellaria secures €23mn ($25.2mn) in funding to accelerate the design of its fast neutron nuclear reactor, with first fission expected in 2029 and commercial deployment targeted for 2035.
The Bulgarian National Audit Office report highlights persistent delays and contractual irregularities in the implementation of the national repository for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste.
Bahrain has concluded a civil nuclear agreement with the United States and formalised a commitment of $17bn in public investments in the US market, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Kairos Power has installed the vessel for its third test prototype in Oak Ridge, aiming to validate manufacturing methods for its future Hermes reactor supported by the US Department of Energy.
London and Prague formalise a strategic partnership to develop the nuclear sector, focusing on small modular reactors and industrial cooperation on supply chains.
Experts have broadly approved France’s Cigéo deep nuclear waste repository project, highlighting technical uncertainties that demand stronger guarantees for long-term safety.
Uzbekistan advances its nuclear project by signing a protocol with Hungary for the supply and local assembly of dry cooling systems, expanding its industrial partnerships in the region.
Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe is asking the European Commission to review its $49bn investment to build Poland’s first nuclear power plant, a step required under the Euratom Treaty before any construction permit can be issued.
The International Atomic Energy Agency mission completed on July 11 warns that the National Nuclear Safety Administration must hire staff to oversee a fleet of 59 reactors in operation and 32 more under construction.
Energoatom signed strategic agreements with Westinghouse and Holtec at the Ukraine Recovery Conference, aiming to establish nuclear fuel production and small modular reactor capabilities in the country.
Tehran agrees to reopen its nuclear facilities to the IAEA, aiming to resume negotiations with Washington, while Moscow pushes for a “zero enrichment” agreement without getting involved in supervision.
TerraPower has selected three new American suppliers for its advanced Natrium nuclear reactor, confirming progress on the project located in Kemmerer, Wyoming, intended to replace a retiring coal-fired power plant.
Energy Exploration Technologies acquires Daytona Lithium, an Australian subsidiary of Pantera Lithium, for AUD40mn ($27mn), bringing its strategic lithium basin footprint in Smackover, USA to nearly 50,000 acres.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has identified no major barriers to licensing the ARC-100 reactor, announces ARC Clean Technology.