Uranerz Energy has begun uranium mining operations at its wholly-owned Nichols Ranch ISR uranium project located in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming, US.
Uranerz Energy CEO Glenn Catchpole stated, "The start of mining operations at Nichols Ranch represents the achievement of a major milestone for the Company that was attained through the hard work and determination of Uranerz’ highly motivated employees."
Initial wellfield has been completed at the Nichols Ranch recovery plant following completion of construction and commissioning.
The company is using the in-situ recovery (ISR) mining method for uranium mining operations wherein groundwater fortified with oxygen, sodium bicarbonate and carbon dioxide is circulated through the sandstone-hosted uranium deposit by means of injection and recovery wells.
Ion-exchange technology is used to extract uranium from the groundwater.
Cameco Resources’ Smith Ranch uranium processing facilities will receive the uranium-loaded resin from the ion-exchange vessels at Nichols Ranch for final processing into dried and drummed uranium concentrates pursuant to a toll processing agreement between the two companies.