Consolidated Uranium Inc. (“CUR”, the “Company”,
“Consolidated Uranium”) (TSXV: CUR) (OTCQB: CURUF) is
pleased to report encouraging Uranium and Vanadium assay results
from its 2022 regional field program at its 100% owned Laguna
Salada Uranium-Vanadium Project (“Laguna Salada” or the “Property”)
located in Chubut Province, Argentina (Figure 1).
Highlights
- 2022
Exploration Program Successfully Completed – The focus of
the program was an area in the northwestern sector of the Property
known as the La Rosada Target (“La Rosada”),
located approximately 40 kilometers from the Laguna Salada historic
mineral resource. The area was evaluated as a proof of concept,
with 548 shallow (average 0.8 meters depth) pits excavated on lines
200 meters apart, and an average of 100 meters between samples.
Scintillometer readings were taken in each pit and a total of 428
geochemical samples were taken from those pits registering
significant anomalism, and these were geochemically assayed.
-
Confirmation of a New Target Outside of the Historic
Mineral Resource – The results of the 2022 program
confirm that La Rosada has the potential to host widespread, near
surface Uranium-Vanadium mineralization of a similar style and
tenor to the area with the historic mineral resource at Laguna
Salada.
- High
Uranium and Vanadium Grades Confirmed – Uranium assays up
to 2,727 ppm U3O8 and 1,489 ppm V2O5 are reported from the shallow
pits.
- Multiple
Prospective Target Sequences Identified – The work shows
that prospective host sequences hosting Uranium-Vanadium
mineralization at La Rosada have now been extended to include
multiple stratigraphic levels.
- Control
on Mineralization Identified – Scintillometer readings
identified multiple paleochannels that controlled the accumulation
of clastic sediments and subsequent Uranium and Vanadium
precipitation from groundwaters. These paleochannels exhibit an
east-west to southeast-northwest trend and extend over a strike
length of over 4.5 kilometers, open to the east and west. This
control will be a useful guide in any further systematic
exploration of the mineralization in the La Rosada area, as well as
on the rest of the property.
Philip Williams, Chairman and CEO of
Consolidated Uranium commented, “We are pleased to report the
results of the 2022 field program at La Rosada, situated
approximately 40 kilometers northeast of the Laguna Salada
Uranium-Vanadium historic mineral resource area. Excellent
community relations work with the landholders in the area by our
team has permitted the execution of a systematic scintillometry and
soil geochemistry program, the results of which have confirmed the
presence of Uranium and Vanadium mineralization at shallow depths
and over wide areas, ranking the area as a highly prospective
target. The work program also furthered our understanding of the
nature of and controls on mineralization, which will be useful in
guiding future exploration programs on the broader Property area.
We acquired the Laguna Salada project based on its attractive
development characteristics, near surface mineralization in
unconsolidated gravels, as well as its location in a jurisdiction
with existing nuclear reactors and historic uranium mining. The
program confirmed our belief that the potential for scale at the
Property exists elevating it within our portfolio, further work
programs for 2023 are now being planned.”
La Rosada Uranium-Vanadium Target
La Rosada was the subject of limited historic
pit and trench geochemical sampling, which defined a tens of
kilometers-scale Uranium and Vanadium anomalous area that are
located on the western trace of Jurassic-Quaternary unconformity
(Figure 2). This pattern mirrors the occurrence of Uranium and
Vanadium enriched zones to the Southwest at Lago Seco and Guanaco;
however, at La Rosada the prospective Tertiary sedimentary deposits
lap onto older basement rocks, consisting of strongly radiogenic,
Jurassic rhyolite volcanic rocks. These rocks are considered to be
important local sources for Uranium and Vanadium metal in the
broader mineral system. Historic sampling at La Rosada highlighted
Uranium values exceeding 0.05% U3O8 (up to 1.18%) and 0.01% V2O5
(up to 0.29%) over average thicknesses of about 0.50 metres in
caliche horizons developed over the shallow soil profile.
Figure 1: Map showing location
of the Laguna Salada Project and the La Rosada Target
Figure 2: Map showing geology
and target zones of the Laguna Salada Project and La Rosada
Target
Results of the 2022 Field Campaign
The Company focused on a small area in the
northwestern part of the La Rosada area, where the prospective
sedimentary sequences are more eroded down to the unconformity, to
follow up on historic encouraging scintillometer and geochemical
sampling results. The work also provided an initial test of concept
that the area is prospective for further mineralization similar to
Laguna Salada. The two prospects of focus are referred to as the
Delfin and Pescado Prospects. The work comprised the excavation of
548 hand dug pits to an average depth of 0.8 meters, with pits
spaced 100 meters apart along lines 200 meters apart. Some 428
samples were taken from those pits that registered significant
scintillometer counts and were submitted for multi-element
geochemistry analysis. Results are shown in Figure 3 and in the
table below.
Of the 428 soil samples taken, values ranging
from <10ppm to 2,727 ppm U3O8, from 8 to 1,489 ppm V2O5, and
means of 55 ppm U3O8 and 230 ppm V2O5 respectively were returned
(Table 1).
Table 1: The following table summarizes all
samples with values above 100 ppm U3O8.
Mineralization occurs within gypsum-rich
caliches developed within the Jurassic rhyolite basement (Marifil
Formation), the unconformably overlying Cretaceous-Palaeogene
sequence of marine and transitional sediments, sandy gravels and
sandy fossil-rich beds (Salamanca Formation) plus the
Neogene-Pleistocene sequence of unconsolidated sandy conglomerates
(Arroqui Formation).
Uranium-Vanadium mineralization (as
Carnotite-Uranyl Vanadates) is hosted mainly in discontinuous
gypsum-rich caliche horizons 10 to 20 centimeters wide within the
unconsolidated sedimentary sequence, in the sandy matrix and as
coatings and rinds on the sub-rounded gravel clasts (Plate 1).
Work in the Delfin Prospect area has outlined a
zone of Uranium-Vanadium mineralization over an area exceeding 4.5
kilometers in strike length and 700 meters in width, open to the
east and west. Higher values in the scintillometry counts and in
the Uranium and Vanadium geochemistry outline east-west to
southeast-northwest linear trends, corresponding to at least three
individual paleochannels developed in the largely unconsolidated
sedimentary sequence, with widths between 100 and 300 meters. The
paleochannels host unconsolidated gravel/sandy sediments that
grades up to 2,727 ppm U3O8 and 1,489 ppm V2O5 (see example in
Plate 2). The paleochannels are particularly well defined at
Delfin, being sandwiched between Jurassic volcanic basement highs,
but image analysis suggests that their distribution is likely to be
widespread and repeated in other areas. Mineralization at the
Delfin Prospect remains open in several directions and the vertical
depth extent is largely undetermined to date, due to the shallow
penetration of the pits.
This Uranium and Vanadium mineralization in the
paleochannels corresponds to that leached uranium from a likely
rhyolitic volcanic source in the underlying basement, transported
by ground water flow that eventually precipitated the metals
through cyclic fluctuations in the water table within the permeable
unconsolidated sediments. Silica-clay alteration observed along
fractures in outcrops of the rhyolite basement are sub-parallel to
the paleochannels and probably represent zones of deep groundwater
penetration and metal leaching.
In the Pescado Prospect area, Uranium-Vanadium
mineralization is not restricted to the paleochannels and is also
present in the strongly altered rhyolite basement itself.
Mineralization as yellow-green Carnotite is present disseminated in
the matrix of weathered remnants of the rhyolite. Uranium values of
up to 1,095 ppm U3O8 and Vanadium values up to 1,185 ppm V2O5 are
reported in this material. Shallow mineralization of this style is
open at least two directions.
Figure 3: Map showing results of
Scintillometer traversing from the 2022 campaign in the La Rosada
area
Plate 1: Yellow-green Carnotite
(Uranium Vanadate) developed in sandy matrix (a) and as coatings on
conglomerate pebbles (b). Examples are from the Pescado Prospect
area (sample 22441 from 3433400E 5133085N and sample 22443 from
3433600E 5133200N respectively).
Plate 2: Sample 22189 (8,000
CPS) with 1109 ppm uranium and 352 ppm vanadium (pit wall), Sample
22191 (5,600 CPS) with 2313 ppm uranium and 647 ppm vanadium (pit
floor). Pit 160 at Delfin Prospect, 3432000E 5131000
The Laguna Salada Uranium Project
The Project is an advanced exploration project
located in the central part of Chubut Province, Argentina. The
Laguna Salada property is located about 270 kilometers southwest of
the provincial capital, Rawson and approximately 230 kilometers
from the main commercial port city of Comodoro Rivadavia.
Reconnaissance work on Laguna Salada was first conducted in 2007
with the aim of confirming anomalies detected in a 1978 airborne
radiometric survey undertaken by Comision Nacional de Energia
Atomica, Argentina’s National Nuclear Authority (“CNEA”).
The CNEA recognized that the Uranium
mineralization is related to “caliches” – partial cementation of
the host by calcium carbonates. “Caliche”- and “Calcrete”-type
deposits are surficial Uranium deposits found in semi-desert
environments. Caliche-type deposits differ in that they typically
occur in unconsolidated clastic sediments such as gravel, as
opposed to cemented sediments in the case of Calcrete-type Uranium
deposits. Examples of surficial Uranium deposits are Lake Maitland
in Western Australia and Langer Heinrich in Namibia. Laguna Salada
is similar to the free-digging Tubas Red Sand deposit in
Namibia.
Mineralisation at Laguna Salada occurs in a
tabular, gently undulating layer that contains yellow-green
Uranium-Vanadium minerals at shallow depth in unconsolidated, sandy
gravel. The mineralised layer lies beneath shallow soil and
typically a barren cap of gravel on the top of the mesas. The
entire Uranium-Vanadium mineralization at Laguna Salada lies within
3 metres of surface in unconsolidated material in the flat, gravel
plain that extends from the foothills of the Andes to the Atlantic
coast in southern Argentina.
A May 2011 Technical Report authored by Coffey
Mining Pty Ltd. detailed a mineral resource estimate for the
project as set out in the CUR news release dated April 11, 2022.
This mineral resource estimate is considered to be a “historical
estimate” for CUR as defined under National Instrument 43-101 –
Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI
43-101”).
Sample Preparation, Quality Control
Measures and Security
Strict sample integrity is maintained throughout
the geochemical sampling program at La Rosada. The bagged samples
are transported by CUR staff to the city of Mendoza in central
Argentina where they are shipped directly to Alex Stewart
(International) Argentina (“Asi”) in Mendoza. At the Asi’s Mendoza
facility, all samples are dried, crushed to 10 mesh (>o=80%),
quartered (600g) and pulverized at 106 microns (>o=95%) to
obtain a 100 gram split ready for analysis.
All samples are routinely assayed for 42
elements (including uranium, vanadium, Cerium, Thorium, silver,
copper, lead, zinc) using 0.2g solution in 4 acids: hydrofluoric,
perchloric, nitric and hydrochloric (total digestion with partial
loss by volatilization of As, Cr, Sb and Hg) followed by
Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (“ICP-OES
Radial”) analysis.
Samples reporting >10,000 Uranium, >10,000
Vanadium, >10,000 Copper is routinely assayed using a 4 acid
decomposition/volumetric technique and analysed by Atomic
Absorption Spectroscopy.
CUR follows a rigorous QC/QA program, including
routine insertion of standards and blanks as well as assay of
duplicate samples at other independent laboratories. Certified
standards, of known gold grade are inserted “blind” every 20th
sample as an independent check on assay accuracy.
Qualified Person
The scientific and technical information
contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Peter
Mullens (FAusIMM), Consolidated Uranium’s VP, Business Development,
who is a “Qualified Person” (as defined in NI 43-101).
About Consolidated Uranium
Consolidated Uranium Inc. (TSXV: CUR) (OTCQB:
CURUF) was created in early 2020 to capitalize on an anticipated
uranium market resurgence using the proven model of diversified
project consolidation. To date, the Company has acquired or has the
right to acquire uranium projects in Australia, Canada, Argentina,
and the United States each with significant past expenditures and
attractive characteristics for development.
The Company is currently advancing its portfolio
of permitted, past-producing conventional uranium and vanadium
mines in Utah and Colorado, with a toll milling arrangement in
place with Energy Fuels Inc., a leading U.S.-based uranium mining
company. These mines are currently on stand-by, ready for rapid
restart as market conditions permit, positioning CUR as a near-term
uranium producer.
For More Information, Please Contact:
Philip WilliamsChairman and
CEOpwilliams@consolidateduranium.com
Toll-Free: 1-833-572-2333Twitter: @ConsolidatedUr
www.consolidateduranium.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 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 the Company expects or anticipates will or may
occur in the future including, but not limited to, the Company’s
ongoing business plan, sampling, exploration and work programs.
Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and
statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”,
“expects”, “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 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 the Company’s planned
exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in
a timely manner. Although the assumptions made by the Company in
providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking
statements are considered reasonable by management 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: negative operating cash flow
and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of additional
financing, no known mineral reserves or resources, 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 Consolidated Uranium set out in CUR’s annual information form in
respect of the year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the Canadian
securities regulators and available under CUR’s profile on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com.
Although the Company has 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.
The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue
forward-looking information as a result of new information or
events except as required by applicable securities laws.
Graphics accompanying this announcement are available
athttps://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2fea58db-841a-4bcd-910d-215bdddee586
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cab88154-81d6-49f1-8eaf-7042cc9a2a87
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/86f72a89-f854-432b-a13d-29c89de34d46
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1fa6d843-827b-47da-8fa5-3b2fdd4404bb
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/06cede50-e661-4ad9-978b-cd4a051f2d1c
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a5848274-cd56-4e80-ad45-ac3d7b99e359
Consolidated Uranium (TSXV:CUR)
Historical Stock Chart
From Oct 2024 to Nov 2024
Consolidated Uranium (TSXV:CUR)
Historical Stock Chart
From Nov 2023 to Nov 2024