enCore Energy's Continued Success in Wellfield Expansion at Alta Mesa Uranium Project

enCore Energy's Expansion at the Alta Mesa Uranium Project

In a significant advancement for the uranium sector, enCore Energy Corp. has announced continued positive developments at its Alta Mesa Uranium Project located in Texas. This comes as they promote Dain McCoig to Senior Vice President of Operations, acknowledging his vital contributions since joining the company.

The ongoing expansion of the wellfield operations at the Alta Mesa Central Processing Plant (CPP) showcases impressive results. Currently, there are a total of 32 operational wells, which include 15 extractors and 17 injectors, with plans to pipe uranium-rich solutions to the CPP by April 23, 2025. The rate of installation, averaging less than two days per well, sets a new record for the company.

Among the advancements is the integration of PathCAD™, an innovative wellfield simulation tool that enhances enCore's ability to model wellfield flows. This software is pivotal for planning, operational efficiency, and optimizing uranium extraction processes, further solidifying enCore’s standing as a leader in clean energy.

Moreover, the initial plans for developing Wellfield 8 have been transformed. The area has been reclassified as Wellfield 3-Ext due to new drilling findings which reveal that uranium mineralization is located within a previously productive area. This strategic shift is expected to expedite permitting timelines and cut down wellfield installation costs while ensuring that previously stranded uranium is effectively captured.

Training focused on wellfield optimization continues, significantly affecting the productive lifespan of existing wellfields. Enhanced operational practices are projected to boost future uranium captures, ensuring operational sustainability.

William M. Sheriff, Executive Chairman, has publicly commended Mr. McCoig for leading the successful restart of operations at both the Rosita and Alta Mesa CPPs. His technical acumen and leadership skills have proven invaluable, facilitating quicker installations and smarter design modifications aimed at maximizing uranium extraction and minimizing associated costs.

The Alta Mesa Uranium Project is notable for hosting a fully licensed ISR (In-Situ Recovery) Central Processing Plant supported by extensive private land and mineral rights. It boasts a capacity of 1.5 million pounds of uranium annually, with expansion plans to increase this output steadily over the next few years. Historically, the project produced almost 5 million pounds of uranium from 2005 to 2013 but had to scale back due to low price points in the market.

Utilizing a non-invasive extraction process, the project mixes natural groundwater with oxygen to retrieve uranium efficiently. This method, combined with the proposed expansion of wellfields, positions enCore for a promising production increase into 2025 and beyond.

Dain McCoig, now Senior Vice President, brings 20 years of experience in mineral extraction and processing to his role. His previous accomplishments include overseeing an engineering team within a $200 million project focused on graphite production. His expertise spans various uranium recovery operations, ensuring tight regulatory compliance and enhanced performance across all levels.

As enCore Energy continues to grow, it remains committed to developing future projects, including those in South Dakota and Wyoming while maintaining strong community relations to ensure beneficial economic impacts. This proactive approach, along with a commitment to clean energy solutions, underscores enCore’s vision of becoming a leading player in the uranium industry.

For more information, visit enCore Energy’s official page.