The Alta Mesa CPP and Wellfield expansion highlights include:
- Wellfield development continues to show positive results with a total of 32 wells, 15 extractors and 17 injectors installed and operational with uranium-bearing solution scheduled to be piped to the Alta Mesa CPP by April 23, 2025. This current rate of under two days per installed well is the best in the Company’s history at the the Alta Mesa Project;
- Installation of PathCAD™ wellfield simulation and design software providing enCore the ability to model wellfield flow for current and future wellfields. PathCAD™ software is proven to provide for improved wellfield management, efficient wellfield planning, operations and optimization of uranium extraction;
- Wellfield 8 (“PAA-8”), planned for uranium extraction following the currently operational Wellfield 7 is now renamed Wellfield 3-Ext (“PAA-3 Extension”). The original plan to develop Wellfield 8 is altered due to new delineation drilling which indicates the uranium mineralization occurs within the same ore horizon and partially within the boundary of the existing monitor well ring of the past-producing Wellfield 3 (“PAA-3”). Modelling Wellfield 3-Ext as an extension of Wellfield 3 is expected to reduce permitting timelines and wellfield installation costs while extending the existing monitor well ring. This approach also provides the ability to capture uranium stranded within the previously operated Wellfield 3;
- Alta Mesa wellfield optimization training and updated procedures are on-going. The enhanced procedures are positively impacting the productive life of existing wellfields and is expected to enhance future wellfield operations and total uranium capture.
About the Alta Mesa Uranium CPP and Wellfield (“Alta Mesa Uranium Project”)
The Alta Mesa Uranium Project hosts a fully licensed and constructed ISR Central Processing Plant and operational wellfield located on 200,000+ acres of private land and mineral rights in and regulated by the state of Texas. Total operating capacity at the Alta Mesa CPP is 1.5 million lbs. uranium per year with additional drying capacity of 0.5 million lbs. The Alta Mesa Project operates under a 70/30 joint venture with Boss Energy Limited (ASX: BOE; OTCQX: BQSSF) that is managed by the Company.
The Alta Mesa CPP historically produced nearly 5 million lbs. of uranium between 2005 and 2013 when production was curtailed as a result of low prices. The Alta Mesa Project utilizes well known ISR technology to extract uranium in a non-invasive process using natural groundwater and oxygen. Currently, oxygenated water is being circulated in the wellfield through injection or extraction wells plumbed directly into the primary pipelines feeding the Alta Mesa CPP. Expansion of the wellfield will continue with production to steadily increase from the wellfield as expansion continues through 2025 and beyond.
Dain McCoig Senior Vice President, Operations
Mr. McCoig is a seasoned engineering and operations leader with 20 years of experience in mineral extraction, mineral processing, and facility development. As Director of Operations at enCore, he supported uranium recovery operations across engineering, geology, and regulatory functions driving performance, cost-efficiency, and technical excellence.
Previously, Mr. McCoig served as Vice President of Operations at Alabama Graphite Products, where he led the engineering, construction, and team development for a $200M battery-grade graphite facility. Prior to this, he held several leadership roles at Uranium Resources Inc. (“URI”) where he oversaw operations at URI’s Rosita, Kingsville Dome and Vasquez Projects. Mr. McCoig managed early-stage planning, uranium production and site restoration, while coordinating and working with regulators, landowners, and stakeholders.
A licensed Professional Engineer in Texas and Alabama, Dain holds a B.S. in Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and is pursuing his MBA at Auburn University. He is actively involved in industry groups including SME and various mining associations.
John M. Seeley, Ph.D., P.G., C.P.G., enCore’s Manager of Geology and Exploration, and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101 and Regulation S-K subpart 1300 of the Exchange Act of 1933 as amended, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure in this news release on behalf of the Company.
With this transition, Peter Luthiger is no longer with the Company; we thank him for his contributions to enCore and wish him success in his future endeavors.
About enCore Energy Corp.
Following upon enCore’s demonstrated success in South Texas, future projects in enCore’s planned project pipeline include the Dewey-Burdock project in South Dakota and the Gas Hills project in Wyoming. The Company holds other assets including non-core assets and proprietary databases. enCore is committed to working with local communities and indigenous governments to create positive impact from corporate developments.
