Denison Mines (TSX: DML) has achieved a new feat at its Wheeler River project in the Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan. The company has successfully recovered a uranium bearing solution from the property, as part of its in-situ recovery feasibility field test.
The successful recovery of a uranium bearing solution via ISR methods is the first such occurrence within the Athabasca Basin, with the company indicating that the hydrogeological system has responded as expected in terms of flow characteristics. The current phase of the feasibility test began last month, with preliminary results from samples collected indicating it has been a success.
“The recovery of uranium bearing solution at targeted rates and grades is history in the making. Initial analysis indicates the hydrogeological system has responded as expected with pH trends, flow characteristics and uranium recovery meeting expectations,” said Kevin Himbeault, VP of Plant Operations and Regulatory Affairs.
With the current phase a success, the company will now conduct a full lab assay and analysis on samples collected from the leeching phase, while at the same time moving towards what it refers to as the neutralization phase. The neutralization phase will recovery the remainder of the leached solution from the property, and then will verify the ability of the the process to return the leaching zone at Wheeler back to environmentally acceptable conditions. This is done via injecting a mild alkaline solution to neutralize the area, and reverse the impact of the acid used for leaching.
This next phase is expected to be completed by year end, which is then followed by the recovered solution management phase, which will break the solution down into mineralized precipitates and a neutralized treated solution. This final phase is expected to begin in the spring.
The overall program is being used to conduct a combined assessment of the Phoenix Deposit at Wheeler River to determine hydraulic flow properties as well as its leaching characteristics.
Denison Mines last traded at $1.52 on the TSX.
Information for this briefing was found via Sedar and the companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
