GTI Energy Confirms 75% Uranium Recovery at Lo Herma, Advancing Scoping Study

Positive Metallurgical Results Bolster Lo Herma Project

GTI Energy Ltd (ASX: GTR) has announced encouraging results from agitation leach testing on core samples from its flagship Lo Herma Uranium Project in Wyoming’s Southern Powder River Basin. The tests, conducted by specialist consultants R And D Enterprises in collaboration with Pace Analytical, demonstrated that the uranium mineralisation responds well to the alkaline in-situ recovery (ISR) process, achieving uranium recoveries of approximately 75%. This performance is consistent with other ISR operations in the region, reinforcing the project’s technical viability.

The alkaline leach chemistry employed mirrors that used by established producers nearby, utilising bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide reagents. Two parallel tests yielded uranium recoveries of 79.9% and 74.8%, with peak uranium concentrations in solution reaching 200 mg/L. These results suggest that Lo Herma’s mineralisation is well suited to conventional ISR extraction methods, a key consideration for project economics and development strategy.

Advancing Hydrogeological Understanding and Scoping Study

Complementing the metallurgical work, GTI has completed drilling of the third and final groundwater monitoring well, recovering additional core material now submitted for permeability testing. These hydrogeological data are critical inputs for the Scoping Study currently underway, which GTI expects to deliver in the first half of 2025. The study will integrate leach test results with permeability and groundwater flow characteristics to refine resource extraction models and cost estimates.

Executive Director Bruce Lane highlighted the significance of these findings, noting that the recent 50% uplift in Lo Herma’s uranium resource to 8.57 million pounds of U3O8, combined with the positive leach results, positions the project well for further advancement. The company’s focus remains on completing the Scoping Study and continuing hydrogeological analysis to underpin future development decisions.

Context Within GTI’s Broader Wyoming Portfolio

While Lo Herma remains GTI’s flagship asset, the company also holds promising exploration targets in Wyoming’s Great Divide Basin and Green Mountain areas, as well as conventional uranium and vanadium projects in Utah’s Henry Mountains. The comprehensive drilling campaigns at Lo Herma, now totaling 954 holes, have provided a robust dataset supporting resource estimation and exploration targeting.

The company’s methodical approach, including adherence to industry-standard sampling, logging, and assay protocols, lends confidence to the reported results. The integration of historical data with modern drilling and testing underpins a thorough understanding of the deposit’s geology and mineralisation characteristics.

Looking Ahead: From Scoping to Feasibility

GTI’s positive leach test outcomes mark a pivotal step in validating Lo Herma’s potential as a commercially viable ISR uranium project. The upcoming Scoping Study will be closely watched by investors and analysts as it will provide a clearer picture of the project’s economic prospects and development pathway. Further permeability testing and hydrogeological studies will be essential to confirm extraction efficiencies and operational parameters.

As uranium markets remain sensitive to supply dynamics and geopolitical factors, GTI’s progress at Lo Herma could position the company to capitalize on rising demand for nuclear fuel. However, the path to production will require continued technical validation and regulatory approvals.