Alligator Energy completes resource drilling at Samphire uranium project
Alligator Energy (ASX: AGE) has completed additional resource drilling at the Blackbush deposit within the Samphire uranium project in South Australia, bringing the company’s 2023 campaign to a close.
A total 118 holes for 10,149 metres were drilled during the year with 82 holes for 7,033m completed at Blackbush West since June.
The company said “exceptional” high-grade results from within the project’s mineral resource envelope would support a conversion of the resource estimate from inferred to indicated status.
Significant results using prompt fission neutron downhole logging were 4.82m at 5910 parts per million uranium oxide from 63.82m; 3.22m at 6,280ppm uranium oxide from 69.06m; 4.36m at 2,670ppm uranium oxide from 70.24m; and 2.90m at 1,210ppm uranium oxide from 69.42m.
Several holes drilled on the limits of the inferred resource confirmed the Blackbush mineralisation extends beyond the known resource outline.
Alligator said the extension would become the focus of year-round drilling commencing in January.
Positive results
Chief executive officer Greg Hall said he was pleased with the positive results despite significant rain delays during the season which reduced the metres drilled.
“The consistency of grades within the Blackbush deposit bodes well for our field recovery trial planned for the new year,” he said.
“Work is underway on the resource update and we are also updating our scoping study based on an increased production schedule, subject to confirmation of the new indicated resource level.”
Heritage survey
In August, Alligator conducted a heritage survey over the wider Samphire area alongside representatives from the Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation (BDAC).
The survey will allow for new ground gravity data to be acquired in the new year to map the project’s paleochannel system.
It will also enable drilling to target additional roll-front uranium mineralisation within the palaeochannel system outside of the Blackbush resource envelope.
“Our personnel are engaging with pastoralists, community, the Barngarla group and wider regional and state stakeholders to ensure transparency and openness regarding Samphire’s impacts and opportunities,” Mr Hall said.
“We are now utilising the services of over 30 companies within and around Whyalla and have had significant early discussions with potential uranium offtake customers internationally.”