Premier American Uranium Inc.
(“PUR” or “Premier American
Uranium”) (TSXV: PUR) (OTCQB: PAUIF) and
American
Future Fuel Corporation (“AMPS” or “American
Future Fuel”)
(CSE: AMPS, OTCQB: AFFCF, FWB: K14,
WKN: A3DQFB) are pleased to announce a current mineral
resource estimate and the filing of a Technical Report (the
“
Technical Report”) for the 100% owned Cebolleta
Uranium Project located in Cibola County, New Mexico, US (the
“
Project”) prepared in accordance with National
Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects
(“
NI 43-101”). The Technical Report is being filed
under both PUR and AMPS’ respective profiles on SEDAR+
at www.sedarplus.ca, in connection with the previously
announced Plan of Arrangement involving the companies
(the
“Arrangement”) which is expected to
close later this week. The Technical Report, prepared by SLR
International Corporation (“
SLR”) with an
effective date of April 30, 2024, includes a current Mineral
Resource Estimate (“
MRE”) for the Project and in
line with recommendations, lays the foundation for future
exploration to support a planned Preliminary Economic Assessment
(“
PEA”).
Highlights of the Technical
Report
-
The MRE is based on a commodity price of US$80.00 per pound
of U3O8
using an underground mining cut-off grade of 0.072%
eU3O8
and an open pit mining cut-off grade of 0.024%
eU3O8,
reported as an:
-
Indicated Mineral Resource totaling 18.6 million pounds of
eU3O8
(6.6 million short tons at an average grade of 0.14%
eU3O8).
-
Inferred Mineral Resource totaling 4.9 million pounds
eU3O8
(2.6 million short tons at an average grade of 0.10%
eU3O8).
-
The MRE underscores the Project’s extensive exploration and
operating history, incorporating reliable historical data and
previously unaccounted areas such as the St. Anthony North pit,
while factoring in depletion from past production (Figure
1).
-
The current MRE exceeds the historical Inferred Mineral
Resource that was prepared for Uranium Resources, Inc. (AMPS’
predecessor) in 2014, upgrading approximately 80%
of previous Inferred Mineral Resource to the Indicated Mineral
Resource category.
- Key
recommendations outlined in the Technical Report include:
-
Exploration to expand the deposit footprint with
potentially positive implications to a mining
scenario.
-
Collection of additional bulk density and chemical assays
in future drilling to confirm historical reported density and
radiometric equilibrium results.
-
Updating the MRE with additional drill hole data and
completing a PEA.
-
Strong exploration potential remains at the Project with
potential to increase total mineral resources through exploration
and expansion drilling in previously untested areas where the
mineralized horizons of the Jackpile sandstone are open ended
beyond the currently drilled area. Further work to de-risk the
Project is expected to include infill drilling to upgrade Inferred
Mineral Resource to Indicated Mineral Resource along currently
mapped uranium mineralization. The Willie P area, which is not
included in the MRE but was the site of previous underground mine
operations, is believed to have resource potential which may be
augmented by integrating additional historic radiometric logs and
grade information into the resource model.
Colin Healey, CEO of PUR, commented, “We are
extremely pleased to announce the updated Technical Report on
Cebolleta. This asset was identified by our seasoned technical team
as “highly attractive” for its resource potential, grade and
favourable location on private lands in New Mexico. The new
Technical Report represents a significant step forward for PUR and
the Project, delivering a current MRE for the first time in a
decade, and ahead of plan. The Mineral Resource estimate now
exceeds the 2014 historical Inferred Mineral Resource estimate,
confirming 18.6Mlb U3O8 in Indicated and 4.9Mlb U3O8 in Inferred
(~80% ‘Indicated’, ~20% ‘Inferred’) and our exploration strategy
can now transition from confirmation drilling to extension and
expansion drilling as we work toward completing a Preliminary
Economic Assessment (PEA), as recommended in the Technical Report.
We believe that prioritizing our budget around these higher-impact
initiatives should deliver enhanced value to shareholders with the
potential to add resource pounds in new areas as we build out a
mining concept. We thank all the technical staff and contractors
for their contribution in achieving this major milestone and we are
excited for the next phase of work at Cebolleta.”
Table 1: Summary of
Mineral Resources – Effective Date of April 30, 2024
Classification |
Zone |
Grade Cut-off(% eU308) |
Tonnage(Million st) |
Grade(% eU308) |
Contained Metal(Million lb eU308) |
AMPSBasis (%) |
RecoveryU308 (%) |
Underground |
Indicated |
Area I |
0.072 |
0.8 |
0.168 |
2.6 |
100 |
95 |
Area II |
0.072 |
2.3 |
0.193 |
8.7 |
100 |
95 |
Area III |
0.072 |
0.7 |
0.192 |
2.7 |
100 |
95 |
Area IV |
0.072 |
0.0 |
- |
0.0 |
100 |
95 |
Area V |
0.072 |
0.4 |
0.208 |
1.6 |
100 |
95 |
Subtotal Indicated |
|
|
4.1 |
0.189 |
15.6 |
100 |
95 |
Depletion JJ#1 |
|
|
-0.9 |
0.123 |
-2.2 |
|
|
Total Indicated |
|
|
3.2 |
0.208 |
13.4 |
|
|
Inferred |
Area I |
0.072 |
0.2 |
0.118 |
0.4 |
100 |
95 |
Area II |
0.072 |
0.3 |
0.131 |
0.8 |
100 |
95 |
Area III |
0.072 |
0.2 |
0.156 |
0.6 |
100 |
95 |
Area IV |
0.072 |
0.1 |
0.105 |
0.3 |
100 |
95 |
Area V |
0.072 |
0.2 |
0.161 |
0.5 |
100 |
95 |
Total Inferred |
|
|
1.0 |
0.135 |
2.6 |
100 |
95 |
Open Pit |
Indicated |
St. Anthony North Pit |
0.024 |
3.3 |
0.081 |
5.4 |
100 |
95 |
0.024 |
0.1 |
0.084 |
0.2 |
100 |
95 |
Subtotal Indicated |
|
|
3.4 |
0.081 |
5.5 |
100 |
95 |
DepletionClimax M6 |
|
|
-0.1 |
0.205 |
-0.3 |
|
|
Total Indicated |
|
|
3.3 |
0.078 |
5.2 |
|
|
Inferred |
St. Anthony North Pit |
0.024 |
1.3 |
0.070 |
1.8 |
100 |
95 |
0.024 |
0.3 |
0.078 |
0.5 |
100 |
95 |
Total Inferred |
|
|
1.6 |
0.072 |
2.3 |
100 |
95 |
Notes:1. CIM (2014) definitions were followed for Mineral
Resources.2. Mineral Resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of
0.072% eU3O8 for underground based on Deswik MSO stopeshapes and
0.024% eU3O8 for open pit using Whittle pit optimization.3. Mineral
Resources are estimated using a long-term uranium price of US$80/lb
U3O8.4. Mineral Resources have been depleted based on past reported
production numbers from the underground JJ#1 andClimax M6 mines.5.
A minimum mining width of two feet was used.6. Tonnage Factor is 16
ft3/st (Density is 0.625 st/ft3 or 2.00 t/m3).7. Numbers may not
add due to rounding.
Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves, and
do not have demonstrated economic viability. The authors of the
Technical Report were not aware of any environmental, permitting,
legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, political, or
other relevant factors that could materially affect the MRE.
Technical Report
Mineral Resources have been classified in
accordance with Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and
Petroleum (CIM) Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and
Mineral Reserves dated May 10, 2014 (CIM (2014) definitions).
The MRE was completed using a conventional block
modelling approach. The general workflow used by SLR included the
construction of a geological or stratigraphic model representing
the Jurassic Morrison Formation in Seequent’s Leapfrog Geo
(Leapfrog Geo) from mapping, drill hole logging, and sampling data,
which was used to define discrete domain and surfaces representing
the upper and lower contact of the Jackpile Sandstone Member. The
geologic models were then used to constrain resource estimation
completed using Seequent’s Leapfrog Edge (Leapfrog Edge) software.
The MRE used a regularized, unrotated whole block approach, inverse
distance cubed (ID3) interpolation methodology, and one-foot
uncapped composites to estimate the eU3O8 grades in a three-pass
search approach. Hard boundaries were used with ellipsoidal search
ranges, and search ellipse orientation was informed by geology and
mineralization wireframing. Density values were assigned based on
historical bulk density records.
Estimates were validated using standard industry
techniques including statistical comparisons with composite samples
and parallel inverse distance squared (ID2), ordinary kriging (OK)
and nearest neighbor (NN) estimates, swath plots, and visual
reviews in cross section and plan. A visual review comparing blocks
to drill holes was completed after the block modelling work was
performed to ensure general lithologic and analytical conformance
and was peer reviewed prior to finalization.
Rotary and diamond drilling (core) on the
property was the principal method of exploration and delineation of
uranium mineralization. From 1951 to 2014 and 2023, AMPS and its
predecessors completed a reported total of 3,644 drill holes, of
which 3,594 drill holes totaling 1,868,457 ft of drilling are
contained in the drilling database provided to SLR. Of the 3,594
drill holes, 2,713 drill holes totaling 1,380,041 ft of drilling
were used in the MRE. Historic surface holes missing collar
information, lithology information, or corresponding radiometric
logs, i.e., assay data, were excluded. A summary of the available
data used in the modeling of mineralization is presented in Table
2.
Table 2: Summary of Drill Hole Data used
in Mineral Resource Estimation
Area |
No. Holes |
Total Depth(ft) |
Avg Depth(ft) |
Number of Records |
Survey |
Lithology |
Probe |
Area I |
296 |
115,364 |
390 |
1,337 |
361 |
292,349 |
Area II |
380 |
243,232 |
640 |
1,205 |
415 |
478,456 |
Area III |
234 |
116,021 |
496 |
447 |
1,439 |
207,699 |
Area IV |
125 |
81,464 |
652 |
247 |
|
112,191 |
Area V |
223 |
139,712 |
627 |
1,720 |
|
250,023 |
Area Sohio_1 |
23 |
9,486 |
412 |
23 |
|
9,459 |
Area Sohio_2 |
16 |
8,354 |
522 |
16 |
|
8,252 |
St. AnthonyNorth Pit |
1,198 |
550,854 |
460 |
1,298 |
98 |
5,737 |
St. AnthonySouth Pit |
215 |
113,679 |
529 |
216 |
40 |
367 |
Exploratory |
3 |
1,875 |
625 |
3 |
|
2,692 |
Grand Total |
2,713 |
1,380,041 |
509 |
6,512 |
1,953 |
1,367,225 |
The Cebolleta Uranium
Project
The Project is located in the northeastern
corner of Cibola County, approximately 40 miles west of the city of
Albuquerque, NM, and approximately 10 miles north of the town of
Laguna, NM. The property encompasses 6,717 acres (2,718 hectares)
of privately held mineral rights (fee or deeded) and approximately
5,700 acres (2,307 hectares) of surface rights owned in fee by La
Merced del Pueblo de Cebolleta (Cebolleta Land Grant). The Project
is in a region that has a lengthy history of uranium exploration
and mining activity dating to the 1950’s and is close to necessary
infrastructure and resources.
Figure 1: Plan View Map of the Cebolleta
Uranium Project and Uranium Deposits
As described below and depicted above in Figure
1, the deposits that comprise the Project are classified as
sandstone hosted uranium deposits with eight deposits occurring as
a series of tabular bodies within the Jackpile Sandstone Member of
the Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation within the boundaries of
property.
These deposits are part of a broad and extensive
area of uranium mineralization, including the Jackpile-Paguate
deposit, located adjacent to the southern boundary of the property,
which was one of the largest concentrations of uranium
mineralization in the United States (Moran and Daviess, 2014). The
L-Bar occurrence area contains five distinct deposits, including
Areas I, II, III, IV, and V. The historical JJ#1 Mine is situated
in the northwest corner of the Area II Deposit area. In addition to
the L-Bar deposits, three distinct deposits occur in the St.
Anthony area of the
property. The
production history of the Project is as follows:
- Climax M6 Mine (1956 to 1960):
78,722 short tons (71,415 tonnes) that averaged 0.20% uranium oxide
(U3O8) and contained 320,942 pounds of U3O8.
- St. Anthony Mine Complex (1975 to
1979): 1.6 million pounds of U3O8.
- Sohio JJ#1 Mine (1976-1981):
898,600 short tons averaging 0.123% U3O8 and yielding 2,218,800
pounds of U3O8.
Significant exploration potential is believed to
remain on the Project. The mineralized horizons of the Jackpile
sandstone are open ended and potentially trend beyond the external
limits of the drill hole grid. Potential exists to extend
mineralization into previously untested areas of the Project, where
this mineralized zone is present but not drill tested in a
comprehensive manner.
Qualified Person The scientific
and technical information contained in this news release was
reviewed and approved by Mark Mathisen, CPG, SLR International
Corporation, Denver, CO, an independent geological consultant to
the Company, who is a “Qualified Person” (as defined in National
Instrument 43- 101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral
Projects).
Technical Report A Technical
Report prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 for the Project is
being filed under PUR and AMPS’ respective profiles on SEDAR+ at
www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are encouraged to read the Technical
Report in its entirety, including all qualifications, assumptions
and exclusions that relate to the Mineral Resource. The Technical
Report is intended to be read as a whole, and sections should not
be read or relied upon out of context.
About Premier American
UraniumPremier American Uranium Inc. is focused on the
consolidation, exploration, and development of uranium projects in
the United States. One of PUR’s key strengths is the extensive land
holdings in two prominent uranium-producing regions in the United
States: the Great Divide Basin of Wyoming and the Uravan Mineral
Belt of Colorado. With a rich history of past production and
historic uranium mineral resources, PUR has work programs underway
to advance its portfolio.
Backed by Sachem Cove Partners, IsoEnergy and
additional institutional investors, and an unparalleled team with
U.S. uranium experience, PUR’s entry into the market comes at a
well-timed opportunity, as uranium fundamentals are currently the
strongest they have been in a decade.
About American Future
FuelAmerican Future Fuel Corporation is a Canadian-based
resource company focused on the strategic acquisition, exploration,
and development of alternative energy projects. AMPS holds a 100%
interest in the Cebolleta Uranium Project, located in Cibola
County, New Mexico, USA, and situated within the Grants Mineral
Belt, a prolific mineral belt responsible for approximately 37% of
all uranium produced in the United States of America.
For More Information, Please
Contact:
Premier American Uranium
Inc.Colin Healey, CEOinfo@premierur.comToll-Free:
1-833-572-2333Twitter: @PremierAUraniumwww.premierur.com
American Future Fuel
CorporationDavid Suda, CEO and
Directorinfo@americanfuturefuel.comwww.americanfuturefuel.com
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations
Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX
Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this news release.
Cautionary Statement Regarding
Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains “forward-looking
information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities
legislation. “Forward-looking information” includes, but is not
limited to, statements with respect to activities, events or
developments that PUR and AMPS expect or anticipate will or may
occur in the future including, but not limited to, the anticipated
timing for closing of the Arrangement, mineral resource estimates,
future work programs and the interpretation of exploration results,
expectations with respect to advancing the Project, expectations
regarding completion of a PEA. Generally, but not always,
forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the
use of words such as “plans”, “expect”, “is expected”, “budget”,
“scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or
“believes” or the negative connotation thereof or variations of
such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or
results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”,
“occur” or “be achieved” or the negative connotation thereof. Such
forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous
assumptions, including the satisfactory completion of the
Arrangement and the timing thereof, that general business and
economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner,
that financing will be available if and when needed and on
reasonable terms, and that third party contractors, equipment and
supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct
PUR and AMPS' planned exploration activities will be available on
reasonable terms and in a timely manner. Although the assumptions
made by PUR and AMPS in providing forward-looking information or
making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by
management of, as applicable, PUR and AMPS at the time, there can
be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be
accurate.
Forward-looking information and statements also
involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other
factors, which may cause actual events or results in future periods
to differ materially from any projections of future events or
results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or
statements, including, among others: the failure to obtain
regulatory or stock exchange approvals in connection with the
Arrangement, material adverse change in the timing of completion
and the terms and conditions upon which the Arrangement is
completed, inability to satisfy or waive all conditions to complete
the Arrangement as set out in the arrangement agreement, failure to
complete the Arrangement, negative operating cash flow and
dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of additional
financing, no known mineral reserves, reliance on key management
and other personnel, potential downturns in economic conditions,
actual results of exploration activities being different than
anticipated, changes in exploration programs based upon results,
and risks generally associated with the mineral exploration
industry, environmental risks, changes in laws and regulations,
community relations and delays in obtaining governmental or other
approvals and the risk factors with respect to Premier American
Uranium set out in PUR’s annual information form in respect of the
year ended December 31, 2023, AMPS’ management information circular
dated April 25, 2024 and in PUR and AMPS’ other filings with the
Canadian securities regulators which are available under their
respective profiles on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
Although AMPS and PUR have attempted to identify
important factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those contained in the forward-looking information
or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other
factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or
intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking
information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual
results and future events could differ materially from those
anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not
place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.
AMPS and PUR undertake no obligation to update or reissue
forward-looking information as a result of new information or
events except as required by applicable securities laws.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/32e592fd-092e-4b7a-b160-54ff4fef20a2
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