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C29 Metals Limited (“C29” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Volkov Geology a 100% owned subsidiary of Kazatomprom the National and only Uranium producer of Kazakhstan. C29 Metals anticipates signing a commercial agreement in the coming weeks.
HIGHLIGHTS
- C29 Metals signs an MOU with Volkov Geology. C29 Metals anticipates signing a commercial agreement in the coming weeks.
- Volkov Geology is a 100% owned subsidiary of Kazatomprom the National & only Uranium producer of Kazakhstan.
- Volkov Geology manages all geological, study and drilling services for Kazatomprom.
- Volkov Geology is a major company in Kazakhstan with approximately 4,500 employees and is the largest driller in Kazakhstan by annual drill metres.
- In consultation and coordination with C29 Metals Exploration Manager Volkov Geology will provide geological services.
Volkov Geology manages all geological, study and drilling services for Kazatomprom. Volkov Geology is a major company in Kazakhstan with approximately 4,500 employees it is the largest driller in Kazakhstan by annual drill metres.
Volkov Geology has a very deep Uranium exploration and mining history dating back approximately 75 years and owns and operates certified laboratories and has the full technical capability in house.
Volkov Geology will provide oversight and technical geological services in consultation and co- ordination with C29 Metals Exploration Manager for the upcoming drill program anticipated to commence in November 2024. Volkov Geology holds the Uranium permits required for the drilling and transportation of Uranium and will ensure strict compliance with all regulations during the drilling program.
Volkov Geology’s scope does not include the drilling and geophysical surveys of drill holes outlined for the initial 2024 drill program an independent drilling contractor will be appointed. Moving into 2025, C29 Metals anticipate that Volkov Geology’s scope of works will expand in particular into studies, geological modelling and resource estimation.
Commenting on the signing of the MOU, Mr Shannon Green, said:
“This is a significant milestone for the company to have Volkov Geology join us as our geological partner is quite simply an incredible step forward as we rapidly advance towards our stated goal of becoming a globally significant Uranium development company.”
Figure 1: C29 Metals & Volkov Geology MOU Signing Ceremony
Project Location and History
The Ulytau Uranium Project is located in the Almaty Region of Southern Kazakhstan approximately 15 km southwest of the Bota-Burum mine, one of the largest uranium deposits mined in the former Soviet Union. Exploration for uranium has been carried out in the area since 1953. Production of Uranium at the Bota Burum mine next to the village of Aksuyek commenced in 1956 and continued until 19911.
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This article includes content from C29 Metals Limited, 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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C29 Metals
Investor Insight
A high-grade uranium explorer looking to grow its strategic footprint in southern Kazakhstan, C29 Metals is well-positioned to take advantage of a rapidly expanding uranium market and provide significant shareholder value.
Overview
C29 Metals (ASX:C29) is a Perth, Australia-based uranium mineral exploration company with assets in Kazakhstan. The company’s recently acquired flagship asset, the Ulytau uranium project, represents a “transformative acquisition” that places C29 Metals in a strategic position to leverage a rapidly growing global uranium market and Kazakhstan’s rich uranium resource and established mining infrastructure.
The Ulytau project is located near Lake Balkhash in South Kazakhstan and situated 15 km south of the Bota-Burum mine, one of the largest uranium deposits mined in the former Soviet Union.
Kazakhstan is considered a top mining country for the following reasons:
- It has a well-developed transportation infrastructure and abundant energy resources, ensuring a stable power supply for mining operations.
- It was ranked 25th by the World Bank for” ease of doing business.”
- As the world’s top uranium producer, Kazakhstan represents 43 percent of the global market.
- It is the lowest-cost producer, globally.
- It holds 12 percent of the world’s uranium resources.
Kazakhstan’s strategic location in Central Asia also provides easy access to major markets in Europe, China and Russia, and the flagship Ulytau uranium project is located 3.5 hours from the country’s largest city of Almaty.
The local village of Aksuyek has a population of ~700 people and will support C29 Metals’ exploration efforts in the near-to-mid-term, providing a base of operations and support services.
The uranium market is expected to grow over the next 10 years, with the World Nuclear Association projecting a 28 percent increase in uranium demand from 2023 to 2030. As electricity demand potentially increases by about 50 percent by 2040, there is significant opportunity for increasing the global nuclear energy capacity, especially as the world continues to pursue its clean energy agenda and a low-carbon economy.
Company Highlights
- Focused on uranium exploration in the top uranium-producing jurisdiction of Kazakhstan, with a newly granted tenement and new license applications in progress (252 sq km) and strong community support from local neighboring village members.
- Flagship Asset: The Ulytau project, located in southern Kazakhstan, 15 km south of Bota-Burum, one of the largest Soviet-era uranium mines in the heart of one of the world’s most prolific uranium-producing regions.
- Experienced Leadership: Seasoned board and management team led by Shannon Green, an executive with over 25 years of experience.
- Positive Market Outlook: Demand for uranium is expected to increase by 28 percent by 2030, and 51 percent by 2040.
Key Projects
Ulytau Uranium Project
Figure 2 – Ulytau project location in relation to other Kazakhstan Uranium mines.
The Ulytau Project is located in the Almaty Region of Southern Kazakhstan, approximately 15 km southwest of the Bota-Burum mine, which is one of the largest uranium deposits mined in the former Soviet Union.
Exploration for uranium has been carried out in the area since 1953. Uranium production at the Bota-Burum mine, next to the village of Aksuyek, commenced in 1956 and continued until 1991. Total mined reserves of Bota-Burum are quoted at 20,000 tonnes of uranium (44 million pounds).
C29 Metals has lodged two (2) new license applications with the Ministry of Natural Resources. The licenses are designed to cover ~18 km of additional prospective strike.
The Southern application, the largest of the two (2) applications, was granted on the 1 August 2024 and is contiguous with the Ulytau license area and sits immediately to the South and East of the Ulytau Uranium project tenement boundaries. The Southern application area is ~213 km2. The Northen tenements licence was granted on September 3, 2024.
The Southern tenement is interpreted as having a similar mineralised trend to that of the existing Ulytau Project area (refer to ASX announcement “License Applications Lodged around Ulytau Uranium Project” dated 24 July 2024 and the further clarification on 25 July 2024).
The Northern tenements, meanwhile, sits to the north of the Ulytau uranium project tenement and immediately north of the historic Bota Burum uranium mine. The Northern licence application area is ~39 sq km.
C29 Metals is commencing exploration work at Ulytau, following receipt of a category 4 exploration approval on August 7, 2024, which will include geophysical, field mapping and soil sampling programs.
Figure 3 – The interpreted mineralised Uranium trend with the newly granted southern license and northern application
Local Community Support
The company has held two community consultation days at the local community of Aksuyek, with a population of about 700 people, located roughly 20 km from the Ulytau project area. The community of Aksuyek have shown their strong support for the company’s planned exploration programs. Aksuyek will provide a base of operations for the work programs and can provide many of the required support services to the company.
A social support agreement was signed on July 9, 2024, with the district government providing the framework for the company to assist the village of Aksuyek with projects aligned to the social development of the community. This very important agreement demonstrates the commitment by both parties to work together to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes are sustainably delivered into the future.
Board and Management
Shannon Green - Managing Director
Shannon Green is an experienced mining executive and company director with over 25 years of corporate, resource development and mining operations experience. With extensive experience working in Africa and Australia, Green has managed significant projects, from greenfields exploration through feasibility through construction, into operation. He has held senior leadership roles within Australia in uranium development, as well as iron ore and gold mining operations.
David Lees - Non-executive Chairman
David Lees has over 20 years’ experience in the Australian financial services industry. He started as a stockbroker and subsequently moved into investment and funds management, providing him with extensive experience in capital markets with a diverse skill set covering investment management, business development and corporate governance. He holds a Bachelor of Economics from Murdoch University and a post graduate diploma in Applied Finance and Investment.
Jamie Myers - Non-executive Director
Jamie Myers has over 15 years in equities dealing and corporate advisory experience. He is experienced in leading transactions, including pre-IPOs, IPOs and secondary market equity raising across small and mid-cap companies. He is also the founder and managing director of boutique advisory firm Molo Capital.
Ailsa Osborne - CFO and Company Secretary
Ailsa Osborne has more than 20 years of experience as a financial professional, including more than 15 years in the resource industry in Australia and internationally. Ms Osborne has held CFO and company secretary roles with a number of ASX-listed companies. She has held senior finance roles in several listed companies operating in Australia and internationally, including in South America, Indonesia and Africa.
Uranium exploration in top producing, mining-friendly jurisdiction of Kazakhstan
NAE Commences Maiden RC Drilling at the Wagyu Gold Project, Pilbara WA
HIGHLIGHTS
- Maiden Reverse Circulation (RC) drill program of 3,000m has commenced at the Wagyu Gold Project, Pilbara WA
- Drilling Contractor, Strike Drilling, to take 50% of payment in equity, demonstrating confidence in the project’s potential
- Program aims to extend gold mineralisation strike and depth, following high-grade intercepts up to 15.6g/t gold in recent Phase 2 Air Core drilling
- The Wagyu Project is located in the Central Pilbara’s fast-emerging gold region, adjoining De Grey Mining (ASX:DEG) tenure containing its ~11.2Moz1 Hemi Gold deposit
The Wagyu Gold Project, located within a fast-emerging gold mineralised corridor, represents a highly prospective Gold opportunity ~9km within the same mineralised trend as De Grey Mining’s (ASX:DEG) Hemi Gold Deposit containing ~11.2 Moz1 (refer to Figure 1) in the Central Pilbara.
NAE Executive Director Joshua Wellisch commented:
"The commencement of RC drilling marks an important milestone in advancing the Wagyu Gold Project. The support of Strike Drilling, who has agreed to take 50% of their payment in equity, is a strong endorsement of the project’s potential. We are eager to test these high-priority targets and further define the extent of gold mineralisation.”
This 3,000m RC drill program is the next step in NAE’s systematic exploration strategy at Wagyu, following promising results from recent geophysical surveys (refer ASX Announcement 11 March 2025) and Phase 2 Air Core (AC) drilling, which confirmed multiple high-grade gold intercepts including 15.6g/t gold over 1m (refer ASX Announcement 17 February 2025). The program will test five high-priority gravity targets on the eastern side of the project area, with particular emphasis on Gravity Targets 1 & 10 (Figure 2), following up on the significant gold mineralisation (>1g/t) identified in the AC drilling (Figure 3).
Figure 1: Location Map showing NAE’s Wagyu Gold Project (E47/2974) in the Gold Mineralisation Corridor shared with De Grey’s significant gold Mineral Resources, including Hemi, Mt Berghaus and Calvert.
The Hemi Gold Mineral Resource was last updated by De Grey Mining on 14 November 20241. The estimate is for 264Mt @ 1.3g/t Au for 11.2Moz, which can be broken down into 13Mt @ 1.4g/t for 0.6Moz, 149Mt @ 1.3g/t Au Indicated for 6.3 Moz, and 103Mt @ 1.3g/t Au for 4.3 Moz Inferred.
NAE confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in De Grey’s reported Mineral Resources referenced in this market announcement. To NAE’s full knowledge, all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the relevant market announcements continue to apply and have not materially changed.
The previous AC drilling drilled to the top of fresh rock only, and this RC program will test for primary mineralisation in fresh rock below and adjacent to the oxide mineralisation identified in late 2024. RC drilling is also intended to outline better the boundaries, nature, and extent of mineralised intrusions identified from geophysics and AC drilling.
The RC drilling campaign is scheduled for completion within four weeks, with assay results expected between late April and May 2025.
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from New Age Exploration Limited, 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.
Greenvale Energy: Strategic Exploration of Prospective Uranium Assets in Queensland, Northern Territory
Greenvale Energy (ASX:GRV) provides investors with a compelling entry point into the high-growth nuclear energy sector through its highly prospective uranium exploration projects. These are complemented by strategic assets with significant bitumen and renewable geothermal energy potential—all backed by a seasoned management team with a strong track record of delivering shareholder value.
Greenvale is building a diversified portfolio of projects aimed at advancing a sustainable, low-carbon energy future. The company’s assets include early-stage uranium projects in the Northern Territory, the advanced-stage Oasis uranium project in Queensland, and the Alpha Torbanite and Millungera Basin geothermal projects, also in Queensland.
The Alpha Torbanite Project presents a strategic opportunity for Greenvale Energy to support Australia’s infrastructure sector by providing a domestic source of bitumen—a critical material currently supplied entirely through imports. The project hosts a significant Inferred Resource of 28 million tonnes of torbanite and cannel coal, positioning Greenvale to potentially secure a meaningful share of the national bitumen market, which is estimated at around 1 million tonnes annually.
Company Highlights
- Uranium exploration portfolio across the Northern Territory and Queensland
- Advanced-exploration, high-grade Oasis project with intercepts up to 0.72 percent U3O8 (15.8 lbs/ton)
- Strategic coverage of the Northern Territory, with four uranium projects targeting sandstone hosted and unconformity style deposits
- Alpha Torbanite project with 28 Mt inferred resource, positioned to be the only local producer that can supply Australia’s bitumen market (consuming ~1 Mt annually through 100% imported material)
- Millungera Basin geothermal project with potential for 3.4 GW continuous power generation
- Experienced board and management team, Chaired by Neil Biddle, founding director of Pilbara Minerals
- Substantial R&D grant support for the Alpha Torbanite project, having successfully secured over $3 million in non-dilutive grant funding
- Projects aligned to the long-term zero-carbon energy transition
This Greenvale Energy's profile is part of a paid investor education campaign.*
Click here to connect with Greenvale Energy (ASX:GRV) to receive an Investor Presentation
Greenvale Energy
Investor Insight
Greenvale Energy offers investors exposure to the high-growth nuclear energy sector through its highly prospective uranium projects, complemented by strategic assets with high-value bitumen and renewable geothermal energy potential, all managed by an experienced team with a proven track record of shareholder value creation.
Company Highlights
- Uranium exploration portfolio across the Northern Territory and Queensland
- Advanced-exploration, high-grade Oasis project with intercepts up to 0.72 percent U3O8 (15.8 lbs/ton)
- Strategic coverage of the Northern Territory, with four uranium projects targeting sandstone hosted and unconformity style deposits
- Alpha Torbanite project with 28 Mt inferred resource, positioned to be the only local producer that can supply Australia’s bitumen market (consuming ~1 Mt annually through 100 percent imported material)
- Millungera Basin geothermal project with potential for 3.4 GW continuous power generation
- Experienced board and management team, Chaired by Neil Biddle, founding director of Pilbara Minerals
- Substantial R&D grant support for the Alpha Torbanite project, having successfully secured over $3 million in non-dilutive grant funding
- Projects aligned to the long-term zero-carbon energy transition
Overview
Greenvale Energy (ASX:GRV) is an ASX-listed exploration company with a portfolio of projects that will support a sustainable, low-carbon future. The Company has early-stage uranium exploration projects in the Northern Territory, the Oasis advanced-exploration project in Queensland and the Alpha Torbanite and Millungera Basin geothermal projects in Queensland. The Company believes the best way to create long-term shareholder value is by investing in exploration, to make discoveries and grow its resource-base.
The company's uranium projects in Queensland and the Northern Territory are particularly significant as global nuclear energy demand accelerates. With nuclear power projected to grow 300 percent by 2050, with nuclear power forecast to supply 30 percent of global power demand, Greenvale is positioned perfectly to leverage the expanding and globally-significant market opportunity. Major technology companies including Amazon, Google and Meta have committed to supporting the goal of tripling global nuclear capacity by 2050, further validating the sector's growth trajectory.Greenvale's portfolio includes the promising Oasis uranium project with high-grade intercepts up to 0.72 percent U3O8, four uranium projects across the Northern Territory, the Alpha Torbanite project, and the Millungera geothermal project in Queensland.
Key Projects
Uranium Projects
Oasis Project (Queensland)
The Oasis project is an advanced-exploration Project, featuring exceptional high-grade intercepts up to 0.72 percent U3O8 (15.8 lbs/ton). Originally discovered in 1973, the deposit has seen sporadic exploration including significant work by Esso in 1978/79. The project area contains extensive radiometric anomalies with multiple faults and fractures controlling the distribution of uranium mineralization.
Greenvale has developed a comprehensive work program for Oasis, beginning with regional geological field prospecting and reconnaissance, followed geophysical and geochemical surveys across the Oasis prospect and regional areas. These preliminary works are key to develop and refine targets for Greenvale’s planned maiden drill program at Oasis.
Northern Territory Uranium Projects
Greenvale has four strategic uranium projects in the Northern Territory: Jindare project in Douglas River, Henbury, Elkedra and Tobermorey. These projects target sandstone hosted and unconformity style uranium mineralization, with particular focus on areas where uranium-bearing waters may interact with hydrocarbons, creating optimal conditions for uranium deposition. The geology of these assets is similar to uranium deposits in Kazakhstan, the world’s leading producer of uranium.
The Henbury project is particularly noteworthy, located on the edge of the Amadeus Basin, a major hydrocarbon basin in the Northern Territory. Following research from Geoscience Australia, Greenvale is targeting areas at the margins of hydrocarbon cap-rocks near active structures, which represent prime locations for uranium mineralization.
Alpha Torbanite Project
The Alpha Torbanite Project represents a unique opportunity to supply Australia's infrastructure sector with domestically-produced bitumen. The project features a substantial 28 Mt inferred resource of torbanite and cannel coal, positioning Greenvale to potentially capture a significant share of Australia's annual bitumen consumption (currently assessed as approximately 1 Mt all serviced through material imported from overseas).
Torbanite is a rare type of oil shale containing exceptionally high concentrations of algal-derived hydrocarbons that can be processed to produce high-quality bitumen products. This natural conversion capability makes torbanite deposits like Alpha particularly valuable for infrastructure applications as they can yield bitumen substitutes with properties comparable to petroleum-derived products.
To date, the company has been able to secure over $3 million in non-dilutive R&D grant funding to support project development.. The Company's test program continues to show improved results, with test program 7 planned to produce a bulk sample for certification. Certification will underpin the progression of feasibility studies that will define the full economic potential of the project.
Queensland Geothermal Project
Greenvale's Millungera Basin geothermal project targets one of Australia's most prospective areas for geothermal energy. The basin contains the hottest rock formations in Queensland, with a total identified stored thermal energy potential exceeding 611,000 PJ (at 90 percent probability). Technical reports indicate the potential for an estimated annual electricity generation of 29,621 GWh from inferred resource areas, with capacity to produce 3.4 GW continuously.
Management Team
Neil Biddle - Executive Chairman
A geologist with over 40 years' experience in exploration and mining, Neil Biddle was a founding director of Pilbara Minerals, where he oversaw the acquisition, exploration and development of the world-class Pilgangoora lithium project. His extensive industry experience provides Greenvale with strong leadership and strategic direction.
Alex Cheeseman - Chief Executive Officer
A highly experienced Australian resources executive, Alex Cheeseman has over 20 years’ experience in operational leadership and project development across a range of industries. He has held general manager and CEO-level roles in a number of ASX-listed exploration and mining companies with experience in a range of commodities including iron ore, lithium and base metals. He has a demonstrated track record of success in resource project development, capital markets, corporate development and commodity marketing.
Elias Khouri - Non-executive Director
Bringing extensive experience in equity capital markets, Elias Khouri offers expertise in corporate finance, advisory, capital raisings and joint venture negotiations, enhancing the company's financial and strategic capabilities.
John Barr - Non-executive Director
John Barr is a chartered accountant with more than 25 years of experience as a company director. He was a founding director of Mosman Oil and Gas. His extensive Australian and international experience spans manufacturing, mining and oil and gas industries.
Peter Harding-Smith - Chief Financial Officer & Company Secretary
Peter Harding-Smith brings extensive experience in company financial reporting, corporate regulatory and governance areas, business acquisition and disposal due diligence, capital raising, and company secretarial responsibilities.
Zoe Stackhouse - Exploration Manager
Zoe Stackhouse is a geologist with 20 years' experience in unconventional gas exploration and production. Stackhouse also serves as secretary of the Australian Geothermal Association, bringing specialized expertise to Greenvale's geothermal initiatives.
Mark Turner - Technical Consultant (Alpha Project)
An engineer with over 25 years' experience in the energy sector, Mark Turner has a proven track record of major project delivery across oil & gas, water, power, renewables and nuclear projects.
Blue Sky Uranium: Argentina’s Emerging Uranium Resource Developer
Blue Sky Uranium (TSXV:BSK,OTC:BKUCF)provides investors with a compelling opportunity to gain exposure to the uranium market through its strategic foothold in Argentina’s emerging uranium sector. Backed by a substantial resource base, robust project economics, and a strong joint venture partnership, the company has a clear pathway to potential production.
Blue Sky Uranium is positioning itself as a leading force in uranium exploration and development in Argentina. As part of the renowned Grosso Group—pioneers in Argentine mineral exploration since 1993 and contributors to four major mineral discoveries—Blue Sky leverages decades of in-country expertise and well-established local partnerships.
The company’s flagship Amarillo Grande Project is a unique, company-led discovery marking Argentina’s newest uranium-vanadium district. Spanning over 145 kilometers and covering more than 300,000 hectares in Rio Negro Province, this district-scale project hosts the largest NI 43-101-compliant uranium resource in Argentina at its Ivana deposit. With this strategic asset, Blue Sky is well-positioned to become the country’s first domestic uranium supplier, supporting a growing nuclear energy program that currently relies entirely on imported fuel.
Company Highlights
- Significant Uranium Resource: Controls the largest NI 43-101 compliant uranium resource in Argentina with 17 Mlbs U3O8 in indicated resources and 3.8 Mlbs in inferred resources, plus valuable vanadium credits.
- Positive Economics: 2024 PEA shows robust economics with after-tax NPV8 percent of US$227.7 million and 38.9 percent IRR at base case uranium price of US$75/lb.
- Low-cost Production Potential: Near-surface mineralization with no blasting required, hosted in loosely consolidated sediments, making for potentially low mining costs.
- Strategic JV Partnership: Secured an earn-in agreement with COAM to advance the Ivana deposit with no funding required by Blue Sky through development. COAM will spend up to US$35 million to earn up to a 49.9 percent interest, and can further earn up to 80 percent by funding development costs to production (up to US$160 million).
- Strong Uranium Market Fundamentals: Global uranium market faces supply deficits with increasing demand from nuclear power generation, with prices strengthening significantly since 2023.
- Domestic Market Opportunity: Argentina has three operational nuclear plants with others under construction or planned, yet imports all uranium for fuel. National legislation guarantees purchase of domestically produced uranium.
- ISR Project Pipeline: New projects in the Neuquen Basin provide future growth through potential in-situ recovery operations, a method that produces 57 percent of the world's uranium with minimal environmental impact.
This Blue Sky Uranium profile is part of a paid investor education campaign.*
Click here to connect with Blue Sky Uranium (TSXV:BSK) to receive an Investor Presentation
Blue Sky Uranium
Investor Insight
Blue Sky Uranium offers investors an entry into the uranium market via its strategic position in Argentina's uranium sector, significant resource base, favorable project economics, and strong joint venture partnership providing a clear path to potential production without dilutive financing requirements.
Company Overview
Blue Sky Uranium (TSV:BSK,OTC:BKUCF) is emerging as a frontrunner in uranium exploration and development in Argentina. As a member of the Grosso Group, which has pioneered resource exploration in Argentina since 1993 and been involved in four major mineral discoveries, Blue Sky benefits from deep regional expertise and established relationships.
The company's flagship Amarillo Grande Project represents an in-house discovery of Argentina's newest uranium-vanadium district. This district-scale project spans 145 kilometers and encompasses more than 300,000 hectares of mineral rights in Rio Negro Province. With the largest NI 43-101 compliant uranium resource in Argentina at its Ivana deposit, Blue Sky is strategically positioned to potentially become the first domestic supplier to Argentina's growing nuclear industry, which currently imports all its uranium fuel.
As global uranium markets experience their strongest fundamentals in over a decade, Blue Sky is positioned to leverage this growing trend. Global demand for uranium is projected to outpace supply, with a significant supply deficit forecast in the coming years. This supply-demand imbalance is being driven by the re-emergence of nuclear energy as a critical component in the global transition to cleaner energy sources. Concerns about energy security, particularly in Europe, combined with nuclear energy's ability to provide reliable baseload power with zero carbon emissions, have led to policy shifts favoring nuclear energy expansion in many countries. This renaissance is reflected in uranium prices, which have surged from lows of around $20/lb in recent years to more than $80/lb in 2024, with contracts and spot prices showing sustained strength.
Beyond Amarillo Grande, Blue Sky is expanding its portfolio with projects in the Neuquen Basin targeting uranium deposits amenable to in-situ recovery (ISR) methods, further diversifying its growth potential in line with these positive market trends.
Company Highlights
- Significant Uranium Resource: Controls the largest NI 43-101 compliant uranium resource in Argentina with 17 Mlbs U3O8 in indicated resources and 3.8 Mlbs in inferred resources, plus valuable vanadium credits.
- Positive Economics: 2024 PEA shows robust economics with after-tax NPV8 percent of US$227.7 million and 38.9 percent IRR at base case uranium price of US$75/lb.
- Low-cost Production Potential: Near-surface mineralization with no blasting required, hosted in loosely consolidated sediments, making for potentially low mining costs.
- Strategic JV Partnership: Secured an earn-in agreement with COAM to advance the Ivana deposit with no funding required by Blue Sky through development. COAM will spend up to US$35 million to earn up to a 49.9 percent interest, and can further earn up to 80 percent by funding development costs to production (up to US$160 million).
- Strong Uranium Market Fundamentals: Global uranium market faces supply deficits with increasing demand from nuclear power generation, with prices strengthening significantly since 2023.
- Domestic Market Opportunity: Argentina has three operational nuclear plants with others under construction or planned, yet imports all uranium for fuel. National legislation guarantees purchase of domestically produced uranium.
- ISR Project Pipeline: New projects in the Neuquen Basin provide future growth through potential in-situ recovery operations, a method that produces 57 percent of the world's uranium with minimal environmental impact.
Key Projects
Amarillo Grande Project (Flagship)
The Amarillo Grande project, located in Rio Negro Province, represents Blue Sky's cornerstone asset and a district-scale opportunity in Argentina's uranium sector. Spanning 145 kilometers and covering approximately 300,000 hectares, this project encompasses three main property areas: Ivana, Anit and Santa Barbara. Each area contributes to the project's significant potential as an emerging uranium-vanadium district.
Ivana
The Ivana property hosts the project's flagship Ivana deposit, the crown jewel of Blue Sky's portfolio and the largest NI 43-101-compliant uranium resource in Argentina. Located in the southern portion of the Amarillo Grande project, the deposit features a 5-kilometer-long arcuate mineralized corridor with a high-grade core that ranges from 200 to over 500 meters in width and reaches up to 23 meters in thickness.
The deposit's resource estimate, updated in February 2024, includes 19.7 million tons (Mt) of indicated resources grading 333 parts per million (ppm) uranium and 105 ppm vanadium, containing approximately 17 million pounds (Mlbs) of U3O8 and 8.1 Mlbs of V2O5. Additionally, the deposit hosts 5.6 Mt of inferred resources grading 262 ppm uranium and 109 ppm vanadium, containing approximately 3.8 Mlbs of U3O8 and 2.4 Mlbs of V2O5. Importantly, about 80 percent of the current resource is classified in the higher-confidence indicated category, providing a solid foundation for economic studies and development planning.
The Ivana deposit’s near-surface mineralization makes it ideal for low-cost mining, as no drilling, blasting or crushing would be required for resource extraction. The deposit's location in a semi-desert region with low population density, minimal environmental risks, and good accessibility further enhances its development potential.
The 2024 preliminary economic assessment (PEA) for the Ivana deposit demonstrates compelling returns, with an after-tax NPV (8 percent discount) of US$227.7 million and an IRR of 38.9 percent at a base case uranium price of US$75/lb. At a spot case price of US$105/lb, these figures improve dramatically to an NPV of US$418.3 million and an IRR of 57 percent. The initial capital cost of US$159.7 million (including contingency) is modest relative to the project's scale, with a payback period of just 1.9 years at the base case price. Operating costs are also favorable, with average life-of-mine all-in sustaining costs of US$24.95/lb U3O8 (net of vanadium credits), positioning Ivana in the lower half of the global cost curve.
Advancement of the Ivana deposit has accelerated through a strategic joint venture. Strategic partner Abatare Spain SLU (COAM) is part of the Corporación América Group which has major stakes in the energy, airport, agribusiness, services, infrastructure, transportation, and technology sectors, with assets and operations in Argentina and 10 other countries. The partners have established a new operating company, Ivana Minerales S.A. (JVCO). Under the agreement COAM will spend up to US$35 million within 36 months to earn up to 49.9 percent indirect interest in Ivana. Furthermore, following the completion of a feasibility study, COAM can earn up to 80 percent by funding the costs and expenditures to develop and construct the project to commercial production. In addition, JVCO has the option to explore and acquire several exploration targets neighbouring Ivana.
Anit
The Anit property located north of Ivana, features a remarkable 15-kilometer airborne radiometric anomaly with extensive surface uranium and vanadium mineralization. Historical drilling along a 5.5-kilometer stretch averaged 2.6 meters at 0.03 percent U3O8 and 0.075 percent V2O5, indicating significant mineralization potential throughout the property. Blue Sky retains 100 percent control of this area, providing substantial upside beyond the Ivana deposit that is currently the focus of the COAM joint venture.
Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara property represents the company's initial uranium discovery in the Rio Negro basin, made in 2006. This property exhibits widespread uranium and vanadium mineralization along an 11-kilometer surface trend. While exploration here is less advanced than at Ivana, the geological similarities and surface indicators suggest potential for both near-surface mineralization and deeper blind deposits that could be identified through future exploration campaigns.
ISR Projects
Blue Sky has strategically expanded its uranium project portfolio beyond Amarillo Grande with two new projects in the Neuquen Basin that target uranium deposits potentially amenable to in-situ recovery (ISR) methods. This approach to uranium extraction involves dissolving minerals in place using fluids that are then pumped to surface for processing, resulting in minimal surface disturbance and no tailings or waste rock generation. Globally, ISR methods account for approximately 57 percent of world uranium production.
Chihuidos Project
The 100 percent-controlled Chihuidos project encompasses 60,000 hectares with geological characteristics similar to productive ISR uranium operations elsewhere in the world. Blue Sky benefits from access to historical borehole and seismic data collected during previous oil and gas exploration in the region, allowing for more efficient target identification.
Corcovo Project
The Corcovo project adds another 20,000 hectares of prospective ground under option to Blue Sky. Like Chihuidos, the company is leveraging existing geological data to identify high-priority targets while advancing the permitting process for field exploration. These ISR projects represent significant growth opportunities for Blue Sky beyond its flagship Amarillo Grande Project.
San Jorge Basin Projects
Blue Sky has also secured strategic positions in the San Jorge Basin: the Sierra Colonia and Tierras Coloradas projects. While less advanced than the Amarillo Grande project, these properties have been selected based on favorable geological characteristics and historical indicators of uranium mineralization. The company is applying the exploration model and expertise developed at Amarillo Grande to efficiently evaluate and advance these new prospects. These projects represent Blue Sky's commitment to building a diverse portfolio of uranium assets across Argentina while maintaining focus on near-term development priorities at Ivana.
Management Team
Joseph Grosso – Chairman and Director
Founder of Grosso Group Management, Joseph Grosso has been a pioneer in Argentina's exploration and mining sector since 1993. He was involved in multiple major discoveries in Argentina, including the Gualcamayo gold mine, Navidad silver project, and Chinchillas silver-lead-zinc mine.
Nikolaos Cacos – President and CEO, Director
Nikolaos Cacos is one of the company's founders with over 30 years of management experience in mineral exploration. He has extensive expertise in strategic planning and administration of public resource companies.
David Terry – Technical Advisor and Director
David Terry is a professional economic geologist with over 30 years in the resource sector. He has extensive experience in exploration, development and project management in the mining industry.
Pompeyo Gallardo – VP Corporate Development
Pompeyo Gallardo brings 29 years of experience in corporate finance, with strengths in budgeting and control, project structuring, project financing, and financial modeling and analysis.
Martin Burian – Director
With over 30 years in investment banking to the mining sector, Martin Burian currently serves as managing director at RCI Capital Group.
Darren Urquhart – CFO
A chartered professional accountant, Darren Urquhart has 20 years of experience in public practice and industry.
Connie Norman – Corporate Secretary
Connie Norman has extensive experience in corporate secretarial and regulatory compliance services for public companies.
Guillermo Pensado – Technical Consultant
Guillermo Pensado is a geologist with extensive experience in the mining sector. He is now focused on the Ivana JV operations.
Luis Leandro Rivera – General Manager (JVCO)
Recently appointed to lead the Ivana joint venture company, Luis Leandro Rivera brings 30 years of experience in all facets of mining from exploration to operations, including most recently serving as senior vice-president of the Latin American region for AngloGold Ashanti, where he oversaw management of four mines in two countries.
C29 Metals Investor Kit
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