Aurora appoints US project manager

Aurora Energy Metals has continued its push into the US, following the appointment of Troy Blackledge as its new Oregon-based project manager.

Peter Lester-chaired Aurora recently released an initial scoping study for its Aurora uranium project, located on the state border between Oregon and Nevada.

Mr Blackledge is no stranger to the region, having spent more than 10 years running a local mining consultancy firm.

Following the completion of the scoping study, Aurora told the market it was keen to further its momentum by ensuring the Subiaco-based company not only had an in-country person on the ground, but also someone who is well-versed on all US-based aspects required for the project to progress.

Mr Lester said the company was also assessing options in regard to forming an American management team, which would work in close quarters to the US sector.

During its scoping study, Aurora said its project – which is the biggest active mineable, measured and indicated uranium mineral resource in the US – is predicted to produce 1.15 million pounds of uranium per annum, with a potential 11-year life of mine.

Despite these ideal results, the uranium aspirant is mindful of attaining a recovery rate higher than the 69 per cent yielded during the scoping study.

Aurora said it aims to release an optimized scoping study by the end of the year, which it hopes will aid its proposed pre-feasibility study, which is expected to begin early in 2025.

US president Joe Biden’s recent signing of the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act appears to have provided a tremendous opportunity for both Australian companies with uranium assets in the US to capitalise on the country’s need for the commodity once the ban comes into effect.

Despite being the largest consumer in the world, the US only produced 50,000 pounds of uranium domestically last year, down from 194,000 pounds in 2022.

Aurora closed trade at 7.5 cents per share, down 3 per cent – while the present uranium spot price is $US83.35 per pound, after reaching a high of $US106.25/pound on January 29.