American Uranium (ASX:AMU) has begun hydrogeological testing at the Lo Herma In-Situ Recovery Uranium Project in the US, as well as the first phase of resource development drilling.
These programs are designed to underpin a resource estimate and Scoping Study update for the project in 2026.
Hydrogeological testing is being undertaken by specialist engineering evaluation firm Petrotek Corporation, as previously reported, which seeks to validate aquifer performance concurrent with phase one drilling.
Following confirmation, additional hydrogeological testing will be planned and completed to support a mine permit application.
Additional tests are expected to include the installation of more groundwater monitoring wells, for a long-term aquifer pumping test focused on large-scale aquifer characterisation.
The phase one drilling program aims to expand the 8.57 million pound resource at Lo Herma. Drilling results, as well as the hydrogeological test results, are expected by the end of 2025.
Executive Director Bruce Lane says these programs represent a step forward in advancing a US in-situ recovery (ISR) uranium project.
The Lo Herma project is located in Converse County, Powder River Basin, Wyoming, US. The Powder River Basin has extensive production history with numerous ISR uranium resources, central processing plants, and satellite deposits.
Wyoming is arguably the most important uranium producing state in the US. It has led the country in uranium mining for 30 years and since the first uranium mines started operating in 1951, the state has produced more than 238 million pounds of U₃O₈ concentrate (yellowcake).
In January 2024, a report published by the Wyoming State Geological Survey noted that after decades of low production, optimism is growing among domestic uranium producers, particularly in Wyoming.
“Increasing support for nuclear energy, strengthening uranium prices, and geopolitical events are driving renewed interest in American uranium. Over the past year, Wyoming’s uranium industry has been the first to react by reviving activity at existing mines, increasing staff, and pursuing further exploration and development,” the report said.
Wyoming hosts the largest-known economic uranium ore reserves in the US, which are located across the Powder River Basin, Great Divide Basin, Shirley Basin, and Gas Hills.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: American Uranium
