Recent Discoveries at McClean South
Denison Mines Corp. is thrilled to share the discovery of several significant new intercepts of shallow high-grade uranium mineralization at the McClean South zone, an integral part of the company’s operations. This advancement is a testament to Denison's ongoing commitment to exploration and sustainable mining.
Exploration Program Highlights
Orano Canada Inc., which operates the McClean Lake Joint Venture where Denison holds a 22.5% interest, executed an extensive 6,400-meter exploration drilling program at McClean South in 2025. The results of this program were impressive, revealing multiple notable high-grade intersections, particularly at the 8C mineralized pod.
Details of Significant Intercepts
- MCS-77 recorded an intercept of 7.51% eU3O8 over 5.4 meters, which included a peak of 10.88% eU3O8 over a 3.7-meter span.
- MCS-80 noted 3.5% eU3O8 over 11.2 meters, with 5.81% eU3O8 recorded over 6.5 meters.
- MCS-84 exhibited 1.72% eU3O8 over a length of 20.6 meters.
Among the 24 drill holes completed in this program, 14 encountered significant mineralization, confirming and expanding the footprint of the 8C and 8W pods. This bodes well for future exploration and mining operations.
Strategic Positioning of McClean South
Strategically situated approximately 600 meters south of the McClean North deposit, McClean South is set to emerge as a vital contributor to the McClean Lake Joint Venture’s operations. The recent successful mining activities at McClean North, utilizing advanced technologies such as the patented SABRE mining method, provide a robust framework for the future of this project.
Insights from Leadership
Chad Sorba, Denison's Vice President of Technical Services and Project Evaluation, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Our collaborative exploration efforts with Orano Canada have yielded several high-grade intercepts that clearly indicate the potential expansion of our mineralized footprint."
David Cates, President & CEO of Denison, added, "With the current production at McClean North and the de-risking of the In-Situ Recovery ('ISR') mining method, we see immense potential for McClean South to be an economic future feed source for the McClean Lake mill."
Future Exploration Plans
The primary goal of the ongoing exploration initiative at McClean South is to broaden the known area of high-grade mineralization, focusing specifically on the 8C and 8W pods. The confirmation of uranium mineralization greater than 0.05% eU in numerous drill holes showcases the area's potential.
Among the notable results from the 8W pod, drill holes MCS-61 and MCS-64 verified mineralization just below the surface along the pod's western edge, further supporting the likelihood of extensive deposits.
Overview of McClean Lake Operations
The McClean Lake property is a significant player in the uranium processing landscape, housing one of the largest uranium mills globally, operated under a joint venture arrangement. It possesses a licensed annual production capacity of 24 million pounds U3O8, currently processing ore from the nearby Cigar Lake mine.
Denison’s investment in joint operations and innovative processing techniques position the company favorably as the demand for uranium continues to rise.
About Denison Mines
Denison Mines is a pioneering exploration and development company in the uranium mining sector, primarily focusing on the rich Athabasca Basin area. Its flagship Wheeler River Project stands as a testament to the company's robust portfolio, encompassing a significant interest in the McClean Lake uranium mill and joint ventures across several significant uranium sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the recent discoveries at McClean South?
The discoveries highlight Denison's commitment to expanding its mineral footprint and the potential for economic mining in the area.
Who operates the McClean Lake Joint Venture?
The joint venture is operated by Orano Canada, which holds a 77.5% stake while Denison holds a 22.5% interest.
What are the key results from the recent drill program?
Significant intercepts have been reported, including up to 10.88% eU3O8 in some drills, confirming the area's high-grade mineralization potential.
What is Denison's strategy for future exploration?
The company aims to broaden the known area of high-grade uranium mineralization at McClean South with further assessments focused on the 8C and 8W pods.
How does the McClean Lake mill contribute to Denison's operations?
The mill plays a vital role in processing uranium ore, enhancing the operational efficiency and production capacity of Denison's mining efforts.
