Alligator Energy (ASX:AGE) has commenced drilling at the Samphire Project in South Australia to construct its in-situ field recovery trial (FRT).
Watson Drilling, along with downhole wireline geophysical contractors Borehole Wireline and GeoData Instruments, will drill the inaugural wellhead pattern ahead of FRT construction.
As reported by Mining.com.au, the company recently attained approval from the South Australian Department for Energy and Mining to begin on-ground activities required for the plant, located near Whyalla.
Operations for the FRT are anticipated to begin in early 2026.
CEO Andrea Marsland-Smith says the company is pleased to install production wells at the Blackbush Deposit, pushing Alligator into the site works stage with a field recovery trial.
“We are ready to work with Ahrens on construction and commissioning of the in-situ recovery pilot plant with our experienced ISR technical and operations team in place for its operation from January 2026,” Marsland-Smith says.
“Subject to successful FRT, mine lease approval, Definitive Feasibility Studies and financing, this drilling also represents the first future production wells for Australia’s next in-situ recovery uranium mine.”
Uranium plays a key role for fueling nuclear power plants, as well as in military applications for nuclear weaponry and armour-piercing munitions.
Trading Economics reports the spot price of the commodity at US$76.40 ($115.44) per pound, representing a 5.82% increase over the past month.
Alligator Energy is uranium and energy related minerals explorer with assets located in North Territory and South Australia.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: Alligator Energy
