enCore Energy Completes First Construction Phase of Upper Spring Creek Uranium Project in Texas

DALLAS — enCore Energy Corp. has completed the first phase of construction at its Upper Spring Creek In-Situ Recovery (ISR) Uranium Project in South Texas, marking a significant step forward in the company's efforts to expand domestic uranium production and support the growing demand for nuclear energy in the United States.

The company announced that construction of the project's Satellite Remote Ion Exchange (IX) Plant has been completed, while development of the first production wellfield is nearing completion. Uranium extraction activities are expected to begin once the project receives final regulatory approvals.

According to enCore, the newly completed facility is the largest satellite plant the company has built to date. The current installation can process approximately 1,600 gallons per minute, representing half of the plant's planned capacity. Expansion work is already underway, with the company expecting to reach 75% of total capacity before the end of June and achieve full processing capability of 3,200 gallons per minute by the end of July.

“This milestone reflects the dedication and teamwork of everyone involved,” said William M. Sheriff, executive chairman of enCore Energy. “The Upper Spring Creek Project strengthens the Company's operational capabilities by providing uranium-loaded resin feed for our fully licensed Rosita Central Processing Plant ("CPP"). We look forward to continuing this momentum as we move into the operational phase, which is planned in late 2026 once final permits are received.”

Production Infrastructure Nearing Completion

In addition to the satellite processing facility, enCore reported that drilling activities for the first 800-gallon-per-minute production module have been completed, with associated wellfield infrastructure nearing completion. Development of three additional production modules is also progressing, with drilling on the second module approximately 90% complete.

The Upper Spring Creek project is wholly owned by enCore and forms part of the company's broader South Texas Uranium Project. The site includes a satellite ion exchange plant and wellfield system that will support future uranium production units across the historic Clay West uranium district.

The property was acquired by enCore in December 2020 after previous owner Signal Equities LLC suspended development amid prolonged low uranium prices. Existing permits and regulatory approvals, including the project's aquifer exemption, were retained as part of the acquisition.

The uranium-bearing deposits are located within the Oakville Formation, a geologic trend that extends roughly 120 miles across South Texas. Mineralized zones at Upper Spring Creek are generally found between 300 and 450 feet below ground surface, making them suitable for ISR mining techniques.

Supporting Domestic Uranium Supply

The satellite ion exchange facility will play a key role in enCore's uranium recovery process. ISR mining involves injecting oxygenated groundwater into underground ore-bearing formations to dissolve uranium. The uranium-rich solution is then pumped to the surface and processed through ion exchange resin that captures the uranium.

The loaded resin is transported to enCore's Rosita Central Processing Plant, where uranium is extracted and processed into yellowcake. The resin is then returned to the satellite facility for reuse, creating a continuous production cycle.

Company officials said the modular design of the satellite plants provides flexibility and cost efficiencies by allowing uranium recovery operations to be expanded without constructing full processing facilities at every project location.

As the United States seeks to strengthen domestic uranium supply chains and support the growth of nuclear energy generation, projects such as Upper Spring Creek are expected to play an increasingly important role in providing fuel for future reactors and energy infrastructure.

The company said it expects to transition the project into operations later this year, pending receipt of final permits.

Source: enCore Energy Corporation in PR News Wire.