Peninsula Energy (ASX:PEN) has appointed uranium Executive Gary Birch as CTO and formed a technical committee to support the ramp-up of low-pH in situ recovery (ISR) operations at its Lance Uranium Project in Wyoming, US.
The initiatives form part of an operational improvement program introduced after Peninsula’s recent production guidance update.
Birch will begin the role on 28 September 2026, bringing more than two decades of experience at Energy Resources (ASX:ERA) of Australia and Heathgate Resources.
Birch has served as Heathgate’s CEO since 2019, overseeing operations, maintenance, engineering, information technology, and projects. His experience includes the Beverley and Four Mile low-pH ISR operations in South Australia.
Peninsula CEO George Bauk says Birch’s experience will support efforts to improve production at Lance.
“His practical understanding of low-pH ISR operations and his proven technical problem-solving skills and leadership will be important as we continue to advance production performance at Lance,” Bauk says.
Non-Executive Director Keith Bowes will chair the technical committee, which will review wellfield performance, solution flows, chemistry, ion-exchange performance, and production improvement initiatives.
Its remit also covers technical risks associated with the low-pH ISR ramp-up, future mine-unit development planning, and wellfield design and sequencing.
Bowes has more than 30 years of experience across uranium exploration, project development, and operations. He was previously managing director of Lotus Resources (ASX:LOT) and has worked on uranium project due diligence and restart strategies, including Boss Energy’s (ASX:BOE) Honeymoon Uranium Mine.
Peninsula has also engaged South Australian ISR consultancy Rendement to investigate lower-than-expected wellfield flow rates and identify improvements to ion-exchange performance.
The consultancy will conduct data reviews, technical assessments, and site visits before delivering recommendations.
Lance recommenced uranium production on resin in December 2024 and began producing dried yellowcake at its central processing plant in September 2025.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Images: Peninsula Energy
