Aura Energy

Enhanced Definitive Feasibility Study Confirms Robust Financial Returns And Near-Term Production Potential Of The Tiris Uranium Project

Aura Energy Limited (ASX: AEE, AIM: AURA, “Aura” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce the completion and delivery of the Enhanced Definitive Feasibility Study (“EFS”) for the Tiris Uranium Project (“Tiris” or the “Project”) in Mauritania. The EFS is based on the original 2021 study but now benefits from the recently updated Mineral Resource Estimate2 and revised throughput modelling that confirms an increase in steady-state production to 2.0 Mlbs pa U3O8 and the delivery of strong financial metrics and robust returns to shareholders over the life of the Project.


KEY POINTS:

  • Average steady-state production increased by 150% from 0.8 Mlbs U3O8 to 2.0 Mlbs pa U3O8
  • Strong financial metrics delivered from 60% of total Mineral Resources, headlined by a 180% increase in the Base Case post-tax NPV US$ 226M and IRR of 28%
  • 57% cash margins from an AISC of US$ 28.77 / lb U3O8
  • Initial capital cost of US$ 87.9 million with an additional capital of US$ 90.3 million to produce 2.0 Mlbs pa U3O8
  • Government stakeholder agreement and major permits in place
  • 16-year project life with near-term exploration upside

A proportion of the production target for the 2023 EFS is based on Inferred Mineral Resources. There is a low level of geological confidence associated with Inferred Mineral Resources, and there is no certainty that further exploration work will result in the determination of Indicated Mineral Resources or that the production target itself will be realised.

Commenting on the updated DFS, Aura Energy Managing Director Dave Woodall said:

“The EFS confirms the strong financial case for the Tiris Uranium Project. The Tiris Project is unique with its low capital intensity, low operating costs, competitive all-in-sustaining cost and key regulatory approvals in place. With a relatively short timeline for commercial production, the focus is now on the consideration of a Final Investment Decision as early as Q4 2023, which would see commissioning in late 2024 for commercial production in early 2025.

“What differentiates Tiris is the ore quality that allows free-dig shallow open pit mining. Aura does not require expensive drill and blast operations or capital-hungry infrastructure for crushing and screening. Following simple scrubbing and screening the Project will have a leach feed grade of >2,000 ppm U3O8 resulting in a downsizing of the leaching circuit that drives competitive operating costs and creates a competitive advantage for Aura Energy in a strengthening uranium market.”

Enhanced Definitive Feasibility Study Highlights

The key highlights from the EFS are:

  • 150% increase in average steady-state production to 2.0 Mlbs U3O8
  • Proven processing with simple free dig mining
  • Rapid beneficiation that delivers >2,000 ppm U3O8 leach feed grade
  • High confidence production scheduled with 76% Proved and Probable Reserves, and 24% Inferred Mineral Resources.
  • Low initial capital cost and high capital efficiency from any future expansion
  • Excellent cash margins driven by an AISC of US$ 28.77 / lb
  • 18-month construction period provides rapid path to production following FID
  • 15-year mine life with significant resource growth potential

The Tiris Uranium Project is located in the Tiris Zemmour region, an emerging uranium province approximately 1,450 km from the Mauritanian capital of Nouakchott. The Project is owned by Aura Energy, through its 85% owned Tiris Resources with its Mauritanian Government partner, the National Agency for Geological Research and Mining Heritage (ANARPAM).

The key differentiating feature of the EFS, compared to the 2021 DFS is the increase in production. The Project now plans to deliver a life of mine production of 25.5 Mlbs U3O8, an increase of 110%, taking advantage of the recently announced 52% increase in Measured and Indicated Resources to 29.6 Mlbs U3O8, (62.1Mt at 216 ppm U3O8, at a 100ppm grade cut-off).

The effect of this increased production is enhanced project economics, delivering a Base Case NPV8 of US$226 million, and an exceptional Base Case IRR of 28%, with further capacity to improve as nearby Resource growth, is targeted.

Beyond this Base Case Scenario, a long-term Upside Side was calculated using the Trade Tech Forward Availability Model (FAM2) forecast pricing of US$79/lb U3O8. This Upside Case forms the second scenario illustrated in this EFS demonstrating the leverage to forecast growth in the global uranium market by the World Nuclear Association. With an Upside Case NPV8 of US$347 million and a remarkable Upside Case IRR of 35%, this second scenario indicates that the Tiris Project could be one of the most exciting conventional mining uranium projects in development.

Further project optimisation will be investigated as part of the FEED study which has commenced using the outcomes of the EFS. Additional areas of optimisation within the recovery of the U3O8 are under investigation and require further engineering to optimise the production profile.


Click here for the full ASX Release

This article includes content from Aura Energy, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.

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  Boss Energy

2024 Infill Drilling on Satellite Uranium Growth Deposits Complete

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NexGen Achieves Major Permitting Milestone

  • The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission ("CNSC") has notified NexGen of successful completion of final Federal technical review.
  • This is the key requirement to scheduling a Federal Commission Hearing date and subsequent Federal Project approval decision.
  • The Federal Environmental Assessment ("EA") and License represent the final major approval steps after having received Provincial EA approval in November 2023 .
  • In production, the Rook I Project is poised to make NexGen one of the world's largest and most environmentally conscious mining companies.

NexGen Energy Ltd. ("NexGen" or the "Company") (TSX: NXE) (NYSE: NXE) (ASX: NXG) is excited and proud to announce a major milestone in the Federal EA process for its 100%owned Rook I Project ("the Project"). The CNSC has provided NexGen formal confirmation that the Company has successfully addressed all information requests received as part of the Federal technical review. With completion of the CNSC technical review, the next and final steps in the Federal approval process include scheduling a Commission Hearing Date for the Project, subject to which the CNSC will render an approval decision on the Project.

NexGen Energy Ltd. Logo (CNW Group/NexGen Energy Ltd.)

This historic milestone marks a crucial step forward for the Project that has been undergoing Canada's robust and rigorous regulatory process since 2019. Completion of the Federal EA technical review stage follows the CNSC having deemed NexGen's Federal licence application sufficient in September 2023 , and receipt of Provincial EA approval in November 2023 . This development reinforces Canada's path to re-establish itself as the leader in global uranium supply and partner of choice.

Leigh Curyer, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "This exciting outcome is a testament to the exceptional efforts of our entire NexGen team, the collaborative support of our valued Indigenous Nation partners, and our transparent approach with the CNSC to ensure a robust and thorough review that meets the highest standards of environmental protection for the sustainable development of the Rook I Project. Since inception, our honest and innovative holistic approach to the successful development of this generational project has set new industry standards as to what is possible, whilst positively impacting all our valued stakeholders.

Together with the Clearwater River Dene Nation, Métis Nation – Saskatchewan Northern Region 2 and Métis Nation – Saskatchewan , Buffalo River Dene Nation, and Birch Narrows Dene Nation, we are construction ready to deliver transformative and unprecedented social, economic and environmental benefits to local communities, the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada , and the world.

We're not just developing a mine - we're building strong communities while shaping a sustainable and secure global energy future. With over $800 million in cash and liquid assets, we are ready pending a positive Commission decision with all activities required to immediately commence major site works in place."

NexGen is poised to propel Canada back to the forefront of global clean energy fuel production. The Rook I Project embodies NexGen's commitment to elite environmental performance, unprecedented community inclusion, and responsible alignment with global net-zero goals.

About NexGen

NexGen Energy is a Canadian company focused on delivering clean energy fuel for the future. The Company's flagship Rook I Project is being optimally developed into the largest, low-cost producing uranium mine globally, incorporating the most elite standards in environmental and social governance. The Rook I Project is supported by a NI 43-101 compliant Feasibility Study which outlines the elite environmental performance and industry leading economics. NexGen is led by a team of experienced uranium and mining industry professionals with expertise across the entire mining life cycle, including exploration, financing, project engineering and construction, operations, and closure. NexGen is leveraging its proven experience to deliver a Project that leads the entire mining industry socially, technically, and environmentally. The Project and prospective portfolio in northern Saskatchewan will provide generational long-term economic, environmental, and social benefits for Saskatchewan, Canada , and the world.

NexGen is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "NXE," and on the Australian Securities Exchange under the ticker symbol "NXG," providing access to global investors to participate in NexGen's mission of solving three major global challenges in decarbonization, energy security, and access to power. The Company is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia , with its primary operations office in Saskatoon , Saskatchewan.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors

This news release includes Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources classification terms that comply with reporting standards in Canada and the Mineral Reserves and the Mineral Resources estimates are made in accordance with NI 43-101. NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. These standards differ from the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") set by the SEC's rules that are applicable to domestic United States reporting companies. Consequently, Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources information included in this news release is not comparable to similar information that would generally be disclosed by domestic U.S. reporting companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC Accordingly, information concerning mineral deposits set forth herein may not be comparable with information made public by companies that report in accordance with U.S. standards.

Forward-Looking Information

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable United States securities laws and regulations and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to estimates for CapEx, OpEx and a payback period of 12 months, the appointment of a lead lender group, the availability of financing for the Project, the advancement of detailed engineering and contract negotiations, bolstering the globe's uranium supply chains to meet the rising demand for nuclear energy, the timing and cost of reclamation, including as part of the UGTMF and after-tax free cash flow remaining materially consistent with the FS, Free Cash Flow, Payback Period and IRR relative to various uranium prices, the delivery of clean energy fuel for the future, the development of the largest low cost producing uranium mine globally and incorporating elite standards in environmental and social governance, delivering a project that leads the entire mining industry socially, technically and environmentally, providing generational long-term economic, environmental and social benefits for Saskatchewan, Canada and the world, planned exploration and development activities and budgets, the interpretation of drill results and other geological information, mineral reserve and resource estimates (to the extent they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if a project is developed), requirements for additional capital, capital costs, operating costs, cash flow estimates, production estimates, the future price of uranium and similar statements relating to the economics of a project, including the Rook I Project. Generally, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof.

Forward-looking information and statements are based on NexGen's current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about its business and the industry and markets in which it operates. Forward-looking information and statements are made based upon numerous assumptions, including, among others, that financing for the Project will be available in a timely manner and on terms acceptable to the Company, the results of planned exploration and development activities will be as anticipated and on time; the price of uranium; the cost of planned exploration and development activities; that, as plans continue to be refined for the development of the Rook I Project, there will be no changes in costs, engineering details or specifications that would materially adversely affect its viability; that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms; that third-party contractors, equipment, supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct NexGen's planned exploration and development activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner; that there will be no revocation of government approvals; that general business, economic, competitive, social and political conditions will not change in a material adverse manner; the assumptions underlying the Company's mineral reserve and resource estimates and updated/revised CapEx, OpEx, SusEx, and pay back period; assumptions made in the interpretation of drill results and other geological information; the ability to achieve production on the Rook I Project; and other estimates, assumptions and forecasts disclosed in the Feasibility Study for the Rook I Project. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements were considered reasonable by management at the time they were made, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate.

Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performances and achievements of NexGen to differ materially from any projections of results, performances and achievements of NexGen expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others, negative operating cash flow and dependence on third-party financing, uncertainty of additional financing, the risk that pending assay results will not confirm previously announced preliminary results, the imprecision of mineral reserve and resource estimates, the price and appeal of alternate sources of energy, sustained low uranium prices, aboriginal title and consultation issues, development risks, climate change, uninsurable risks, reliance upon key management and other personnel, risks related to title to its properties, information security and cyber threats, failure to manage conflicts of interest, failure to obtain or maintain required permits and licences, changes in laws, regulations and policy, competition for resources, political and regulatory risks, general inflationary pressures, industry and economic factors that may affect the business, and other factors discussed or referred to in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form under "Risk Factors" and management's discussion and analysis under "Other Risks Factors" filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and 40-F filed on Edgar at www.sec.gov   .

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or statements or implied by forward-looking information or statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements due to the inherent uncertainty thereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws.

Cision View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nexgen-achieves-major-permitting-milestone-302309673.html

SOURCE NexGen Energy Ltd.

Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2024/19/c8458.html

News Provided by Canada Newswire via QuoteMedia

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