enCore Energy has received approval for the inclusion of its Upper Spring Creek In-Situ Recovery (ISR) Uranium Project in the existing Radioactive Materials License (RML) from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
This approval permits enCore to manage radioactive materials, including uranium, at its Texas operations. The license extension now encompasses the Brown Area of the Upper Spring Creek Project alongside the Rosita Uranium Project.
With this RML in place, construction of wellfields and a Satellite Ion Exchange (IX) Plant can begin. These plants will supply uranium to the Rosita ISR Uranium Central Processing Plant.
The Satellite IX Plants are essential components of the satellite ISR process due to their modular, efficient, and relocatable nature. They allow for economical uranium extraction across various remote sites and can be moved when a wellfield is depleted.
The current RML is slated for renewal in 2032, pending operational compliance with set protocols regarding safety, material handling, record keeping, and reporting.
enCore executive chairman William Sheriff said: “The Upper Spring Creek Project brings important uranium mineralization into the operations of the company, and we look forward to recovering (capturing) increasing amounts of uranium from late this year into 2026.”
Progress at the Upper Spring Creek Project is underway with drill rigs on-site to develop production wellfields. Construction activities will involve surface preparation, well construction, road building, and setting up necessary support facilities and utilities.
enCore plans to start construction of the Satellite IX Plant’s concrete pad within 30 days.
This development adds a second RML under enCore’s management in Texas, previously holding one for the Alta Mesa ISR Uranium Project. The amended RML now includes the Upper Spring Creek’s Brown Area, Rosita, and Kingsville project areas.
As part of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Agreement State Program, Texas maintains regulatory control over certain radioactive materials, including uranium production, while ensuring compatibility with federal regulations.
The Upper Spring Creek ISR Uranium Project is entirely owned by enCore and aims to serve as a Satellite IX Plant operation for the Rosita CPP. Located within the historic Clay West uranium district, enCore acquired this project in December 2020 from Signal Equities.
The site features uranium-rich sands within the Oakville Formation spanning approximately 193km by 32km across South Texas. At this project site, uranium mineralisation occurs at depths ranging from 300ft to 450ft underground.
