Alligator Energy Reports Strong Uranium Recovery and Operational Performance at Samphire Field Recovery Trial

Field Recovery Trial Progress and Performance

Alligator Energy Ltd (ASX:AGE) has provided an operational update on the first well pattern of its Samphire Uranium Project Field Recovery Trial (FRT), reporting uranium-rich solution production at concentrations consistent with expectations. Since commencing uranium extraction in late March 2026, the trial has processed approximately 39 pore volumes (PV) of the planned 70 PV, with one PV representing the volume of solution required to fill the natural voids within the orebody.

Pregnant lixiviant grades peaked at over 200 mg/L U3O8 and have remained above 100 mg/L based on onsite laboratory assays. Uranium recovery has exceeded approximately 55% from the processed volumes to date, indicating ongoing mobilisation of uranium within the wellfield and consistent leaching performance. Reagent consumption has remained in line with the company’s model, reflecting efficient leaching conditions and favourable operating parameters.

Validation of Project Assumptions and Operational Metrics

The flow rates, permeability, and porosity observed during the trial align with the design assumptions outlined in Alligator Energy’s December 2023 Scoping Study. These outcomes provide further confidence in the wellfield’s permeability and connectivity, supporting the project’s ability to achieve targeted uranium tenor and recovery metrics. The company is currently validating onsite assay results through duplicate testing at a NATA-certified external laboratory, with more detailed results expected in due course.

CEO and Managing Director Andrea Marsland-Smith commented that the results represent a strong validation of the wellfield design and operating assumptions. She noted that achieving greater than 55% recovery at this stage, with reagent consumption as expected, demonstrates the effectiveness of the in-situ recovery (ISR) process under field conditions. Marsland-Smith also highlighted consistent solution flow and wellfield performance as positive indicators as the trial progresses towards the planned 70 pore volumes.

Context Within Project Development and Recent Milestones

This update follows Alligator Energy’s initiation of uranium extraction at Samphire in March 2026, marking a key milestone in the four-month Field Recovery Trial designed to generate critical operational and recovery data. The trial’s progress and early results build on the company’s recent operational achievements, including the commissioning of the Samphire pilot plant and the start of uranium extraction, as detailed in the company’s earlier announcement on 22 March 2026.

In a broader market context, these operational results are significant as they provide empirical data supporting the project’s technical assumptions and potential commercial viability. The company’s leadership team brings extensive uranium sector experience, including involvement in notable projects such as the Wiluna Uranium Project and the Husab Uranium Mine, which may inform ongoing optimisation efforts at Samphire.