Alligator Energy (ASX:AGE) has engaged Ahrens Group to commence on-site construction for a field recovery trial (FRT) at the Samphire Project in South Australia to prepare for plant construction.
Using locally based contractors from Whyalla, construction of the plant is slated to move the company towards its first FRT results to be returned in February through April 2026.
The group will use operating data as part of the trial so as to streamline current feasibility studies by de-risking future development of the Samphire Project.
CEO Andrea Marsland-Smith says the arrival of Ahrens Group on-site to commence construction is a “pivotal step” in pushing the project towards development and future production.
“The trial will provide essential operating and technical data, which will be incorporated directly into the Definitive Feasibility Study that is currently underway,” Marsland-Smith says.
“Importantly, this work is being undertaken in parallel with other critical project streams, including mining lease approvals and our operational readiness planning.”
The company has currently reached the 75% mark of drilling for well patterns, conducted by Watson Drilling.
Alligator will approach mining lease approvals and conduct Feasibility Studies in concurrent with the recovery trial.
“Together, these activities demonstrate that Alligator is progressing Samphire at full pace, with a clear line of sight towards a development decision,” Marsland-Smith adds.
“This progress comes at a time of strengthening global uranium markets, with rising demand driven by new nuclear power projects and the push for clean, reliable energy supply.”
Trading Economics reports the price of uranium to currently be marked at US$79.75 ($121.13) per pound, representing a 9.25% increase for this year to date.
Uranium is primarily used to fuel nuclear reactors, generating electricity as the globe shifts to a clean energy transition.
In the September 2025 Resources and Energy Quarterly, the Department of Industry, Science and Resources recorded Australia to be number one for uranium resources, and the fourth largest producer globally.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: Alligator Energy
