Elevate improves uranium finds
Significant strides made
The Koppies project stands out globally as one of the shallowest uranium resources, with 95% of the resource located within approximately 15 metres of the surface, and half of it within only six metres.
Elevate Uranium, an Australian-based mining company, has made significant strides in uranium exploration in Namibia. The company successfully identified four uranium deposits, with its Koppies project near the Deep Yellow Tumas project, being the first.
In 2023, the Koppies mineral resource estimate reached approximately 22 000 tonnes of triuranium octoxide (U3O8), marking a 136% increase. This also resulted in a 42% expansion of Elevate's overall Namibian resources. In April this year, the inferred resource was updated again to 58 million pounds U3O8 with further growth potential.
The Koppies project stands out globally as one of the shallowest uranium resources, with 95% of the resource located within approximately 15 metres of the surface, and half of it within only six metres.
Beneficiation process
Elevate has also developed its own U-pgrade beneficiation process for upgrading uranium mineralisation. In June, the company confirmed that bulk samples were collected for mineralogy and U-pgrade beneficiation testwork at Koppies. Eight test pits were excavated in May, with U-pgrade testwork set to commence following confirmation of sample grades.
In 2023, Elevate significantly intensified its Namibian exploration and resource drilling efforts, surpassing 41 000 metres drilled. By year-end, three drill rigs were actively operating in the Koppies area, assessing mineralisation across a vast 20-kilometre strike length. This aggressive programme generated a significant volume of new geological data, expected to support future re-estimation of ore resources at Koppies, the company said.
It also made an exciting discovery at Capri, spanning over 16 kilometres.
Elevate further expanded its technical team, bringing the total number of Namibian geologists to four, with additional geological support from the head office in Australia. The company prioritised workforce development through strategic skill enhancement programmes in 2023, focusing on expanding technological proficiency and providing comprehensive training on database utilisation, it said.
Meanwhile, Elevate provides sponsorship to Vultures Namibia, supporting the endangered lappet-faced vultures.