NexGen Energy has announced a significant 23% vertical expansion of its high-grade uranium subdomain at Patterson Corridor East, alongside the commencement of a record 45,500-meter drilling campaign for 2026. This development underscores the company's advancing exploration momentum in the Athabasca Basin.
- High-grade subdomain vertical extent increased from 335m to 412m
- Overall mineralized footprint expanded to 700m vertical and 620m strike length
- 2025 drilling program completed 35,366 meters, largest in Athabasca Basin last year
- 2026 exploration program to drill 42,000m at PCE plus inaugural 3,500m at SW3 property
- Focus on expanding high-grade zones and testing for additional mineralization within the hydrothermal system
Expanding the High-Grade Frontier
NexGen Energy Ltd. has revealed a substantial expansion of its high-grade uranium mineralization at the Patterson Corridor East (PCE) discovery, located in the prolific Athabasca Basin. The vertical extent of the primary high-grade subdomain has grown by 23%, stretching from 335 meters to 412 meters, while the strike length now measures 210 meters. This growth is complemented by an overall mineralized footprint that has extended to 700 meters vertically and 620 meters along strike, both increases from previous measurements.
The latest drilling results, including hole RK-25-271 which intersected multiple high-grade and off-scale radioactivity zones, demonstrate strong internal continuity and suggest the mineralized system remains open for further expansion. These findings build on the momentum from NexGen’s 2025 drilling program, which was the largest in the Athabasca Basin last year, completing over 35,000 meters across 102 holes since discovery.
A Record-Breaking 2026 Exploration Program
Looking ahead, NexGen is launching an ambitious 2026 exploration program totaling 45,500 meters. This includes 42,000 meters of diamond drilling focused on PCE, aiming to continue expanding high-grade zones and the overall mineralized footprint. The program also features inaugural drilling at the company’s 100% owned SW3 property, with 3,500 meters dedicated to testing high-priority greenfield targets.
The 2026 campaign is designed with a dual focus – to grow and define multiple high-grade subdomains at PCE and to investigate the potential repetition of basement-hosted mineralization within the same hydrothermal system approximately 600 meters southeast of the discovery. This strategic approach reflects NexGen’s confidence in the prospectivity of its dominant land holdings in the southwestern Athabasca Basin.
Strategic Implications and Market Context
CEO Leigh Curyer emphasised the significance of these results, noting the parallels between PCE’s mineralization characteristics and those of the nearby Arrow deposit, which lies just 3.5 kilometers west. The ongoing exploration success at PCE reinforces NexGen’s position as a leading uranium explorer with a clear pathway toward advancing its flagship Rook I Project into production.
With global energy security concerns intensifying and nuclear power gaining renewed recognition as a clean and reliable energy source, NexGen’s progress is timely. The company is concurrently advancing federal permitting and licensing for Rook I, aiming to transition swiftly into construction and production phases while expanding its exploration footprint.
Vice President of Exploration Jason Craven highlighted the depth of understanding gained from the 2025 program, which sets the stage for systematic testing of numerous targets in 2026. The comprehensive drilling strategy across multiple land packages positions NexGen to potentially unlock further discoveries, supporting its mission to sustainably supply uranium amid persistent global deficits.
Bottom Line?
NexGen’s expanded high-grade zones and record drilling program position it strongly to meet rising uranium demand, but upcoming assay results and resource modelling will be critical to watch.
Questions in the middle?
- How will pending assay results from recent drill holes impact the overall resource estimate at PCE?
- What are the timelines and potential hurdles for federal permitting and licensing of the Rook I Project?
- Could the inaugural drilling at SW3 uncover a new significant uranium system comparable to PCE?