Samphire’s Blackbush Resource Trial Set to Test 18 Million Pounds of Uranium

Regulatory Green Light for Field Recovery Trial

Alligator Energy has reached a significant milestone with the South Australian Department for Energy and Mining granting final approval for the in-situ Field Recovery Trial (FRT) at its Samphire Uranium Project near Whyalla. This approval, formalised through the Program for Environment Protection and Rehabilitation (PEPR), authorises the company to commence on-ground activities, marking a crucial step forward in the project’s development.

The FRT is designed to test uranium extraction methods directly within the ore body, a process known as in-situ recovery (ISR). This trial will provide vital data on uranium recovery rates, reagent usage, hydrogeology, and environmental impacts, all essential inputs for the upcoming Definitive Feasibility Study and mining lease application targeted for early 2026.

Construction and Drilling Activities Underway

Following the approval, Alligator Energy has executed a construction contract with the Whyalla-based Ahrens Group. The contractor will mobilise work crews shortly to undertake civil works, installation of a containerised pilot processing plant, and associated infrastructure. The construction phase is expected to span approximately eight weeks, followed by a three-to-four-week commissioning period.

Simultaneously, Watsons Drilling has mobilised to site to begin production well drilling, a critical activity on the project’s timeline. These wells will form three well-field patterns integral to the trial’s operations, enabling the company to test uranium extraction under real-world conditions.

Building on a Strengthened Resource Base

The FRT will focus on the recently upgraded Blackbush Deposit, which boasts a total Mineral Resource Estimate of 18.0 million pounds of uranium oxide (U3O8), with 78% classified as Indicated Resource. This upgrade, announced in May 2025, reflects detailed drilling and analysis that identified higher-grade zones and uranium roll fronts within the deposit.

Alligator Energy’s CEO, Andrea Marsland-Smith, highlighted the trial’s importance, stating it represents the culmination of three years of collaboration with regulators and technical partners. The trial will validate ISR performance and provide the backbone for future development decisions, including mining lease approvals.

Next Steps and Community Engagement

Post-trial, the pilot plant and wellfields will be removed, and the site rehabilitated, demonstrating the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Meanwhile, expression of interest documents for consultants to support the Samphire Feasibility Study are being prepared, signaling the project’s progression toward commercialisation.

Local engagement remains a priority, with Alligator drawing on Whyalla-based contractors and acknowledging the community’s support. The project’s advancement is poised to contribute to regional economic activity while positioning Alligator Energy as a key player in Australia’s uranium sector.