A significant milestone has been reached in uranium production as enCore Energy commissions the first ion exchange circuit at its Alta Mesa Plant. The expansion will increase the company's annual recovery capacity to 1.5 million pounds of yellowcake.
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| enCore Energy's uranium production expansion at the Alta Mesa Plant is gaining momentum, with the first ion exchange circuit now operational. The company is on track to reach full capacity by 2025, contributing to the global uranium supply. Image Courtesy: enCore Energy |
Dallas, Texas, USA – October 24, 2024:
enCore Energy Corp., a prominent uranium producer, has announced significant progress in expanding its uranium production at the Alta Mesa In-Situ Recovery Uranium Central Processing Plant and Wellfield in South Texas. The company has successfully commissioned the first of three ion exchange circuits, bringing the plant closer to its full operating capacity.
The Alta Mesa CPP boasts three ion exchange circuits, each capable of processing 2,500 gallons per minute of groundwater containing dissolved uranium. When fully operational, the plant can recover up to 1.5 million pounds of yellowcake annually. The second IX circuit is slated to commence operations in early 2025, followed by the third by the end of the same year.
To support the increased production, enCore has been expanding Wellfield 7, a crucial component of the Alta Mesa operation. The company has increased the number of injection and recovery wells in the field and has successfully raised the flow rate to 2,100 gpm. Wellfield 7 is expected to provide the initial feed to all three IX circuits.
Paul Goranson, enCore's Chief Executive Officer, expressed satisfaction with the progress made at Alta Mesa. He emphasized the company's commitment to reaching full capacity by 2025 and highlighted the potential for continued success as Wellfield 7 expands.
The Alta Mesa CPP, situated on over 200,000 acres of private land in Texas, is a fully licensed and constructed ISR uranium plant. It operates as a joint venture between enCore Energy Corp. and Boss Energy Limited, with enCore serving as the managing operator. The plant has a total operating capacity of 1.5 million pounds of U3O8 per year and has a history of successful uranium production, having produced nearly 5 million pounds between 2005 and 2013.
The Alta Mesa CPP's operations are conducted in a supportive jurisdiction, with primary regulatory authority residing with the State of Texas. The plant utilizes proven in-situ recovery technology, which involves extracting uranium from groundwater using a non-invasive process that leverages natural groundwater, oxygen, and ion exchange.
enCore Energy's expansion at the Alta Mesa Plant marks a significant milestone in the company's efforts to meet the growing demand for uranium, a vital component of nuclear energy. As the plant approaches full capacity, it is poised to contribute substantially to the global uranium supply and support the development of clean energy solutions.