en.Wedoany.com Reported - enCore Energy has announced the completion of Phase 1 construction of its satellite remote ion exchange (IX) plant for the Upper Spring Creek in-situ leach uranium recovery project in South Texas. This facility is the largest satellite IX plant the company has built to date, with a current processing capacity of 1,600 gallons per minute, reaching 50% of the planned total capacity of 3,200 gpm. As planned, the plant is expected to achieve 75% flow by the end of June 2026 and reach full capacity of 3,200 gpm by the end of July 2026.
Construction of the first production wellfield supplying feed to the IX plant is nearing completion. Drilling activities at this wellfield have been completed, and infrastructure for Module 1 is nearly finished. Drilling for Module 2 is approximately 90% complete, while drilling and infrastructure construction for Modules 3 and 4 are progressing simultaneously. Once the wellfield is connected and final permits are obtained, the plant will supply loaded uranium resin to enCore's fully permitted Rosita Central Processing Plant. Uranium extraction is scheduled for late 2026.
enCore Energy is a U.S. uranium producer operating using in-situ leach recovery technology. This technology, co-developed by enCore's leadership team, is considered a minimally invasive, environmentally friendly, and economically competitive method of uranium extraction. The company's operations are centered in Texas, including the Rosita Central Processing Plant, multiple satellite IX plants, and a growing portfolio of permitted wellfields. enCore's future growth assets also include the Dewey Burdock project in South Dakota and the Gas Hills project in Wyoming.
The Upper Spring Creek project, 100% owned by enCore, is a key component of the company's South Texas uranium project. Located in the historic Clay West uranium mining district, the uranium-mineralized sands lie within the Oakville Formation. This uranium-bearing formation extends approximately 120 miles in length and 20 miles in width across South Texas, with saturated uranium mineralized ore bodies typically found at depths of 300 to 450 feet below the surface. enCore acquired the project from Signal Equities LLC in December 2020.
The satellite IX plant utilizes ion exchange technology. The leach solution, composed of groundwater mixed with oxygen, is injected into the wellfield to dissolve uranium from the underground sandstone formation. The uranium-bearing water is pumped to the surface and circulated through the satellite IX plant, where uranium is adsorbed onto resin beads. The loaded uranium resin is then transported to the Rosita Central Processing Plant for stripping and processing into yellowcake. The stripped resin is returned to the satellite plant for reuse. This ISR method has been commercially used for over 50 years and is monitored by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. enCore's satellite IX plants feature a modular design with short installation times, enabling multi-site operations without the need to build a complete central processing facility at each location.
William M. Sheriff, Executive Chairman of enCore Energy, stated that this milestone reflects the dedication and collaboration of the team, and the company looks forward to entering the operational phase in late 2026 upon receiving final permits. Currently, the company's focus is on advancing the IX plant to full operational capacity and completing wellfield preparations. The plant's flow capacity is planned to reach 75% by the end of June 2026 and achieve full capacity of 3,200 gpm by the end of July. Uranium extraction from the first production area at Upper Spring Creek remains subject to final permits. Once operational, the facility will supply loaded uranium resin to the Rosita Central Processing Plant, enhancing enCore's overall production base in South Texas.
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