Lotus Resources (ASX:LOT) has received confirmation that Orano Chimie-Enrichessement (Orano CE) is accepting the uranium ore concentrate from Lotus’ Kayelekera at Orano CE”s conversion facility in France.
Lotus and Orano CE have been working in collaboration as part of an iterative process to optimise and qualify the uranium ore concentrate.
Lotus is providing independent laboratory testing results to Orano CE as a condition for the initial shipment delivery.
Lotus notes that it is on track to deliver nameplate production at Kayelekera in Q2 2026, following consistent performance through February and March.
Export of triuranium octocide through the port of Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania is the preferred route to market. Lotus notes that given the current global issues impacting shipping logistics, the company is working with Alistair Group and Orano NPS to commence exports through Walvis Bay in Namibia.
Managing Director Greg Bittar says that the acceptance of Lotus’ uranium by Orano CE is a “fantastic milestone” for the Kayelekera project and positions Lotus well in the global uranium markets.
“We are very excited to have achieved this acceptance by Orano CE, which allows us to now plan for first product to be dispatched from site,” Bittar says.
“The first export of uranium is subject to final product preparation, testing, acceptance, permits, and shipping arrangements, all expected to occur in Q2 2026.
“Whilst we will continue working to achieve accreditation with the other two western converters, ConverDyn and Cameco, the ability to exchange or swap product between converters means an Orano CE account provides us with delivery flexibility across all contracts and for future sales.”
Lotus Resources is an African-focused uranium producer, with projects in Malawi and Botswana.
Write to Amy Rotman at Mining.com.au
Images: Lotus Resources
