Aura Energy Limited (ASX: AEE) has submitted draft Key Management Plans (KMPs) to help fast-track initial uranium production at its 85%-owned Tiris Uranium Project in Mauritania.
The KMPs have been handed in to to the National Authority for Radioprotection, Safety and Nuclear Security (ARSN) in Mauritania. These plans form the core information assessed as part of the ARSN’s authorisation for uranium production at Tiris and for the export of uranium oxide concentrate (UOC) from Mauritania. KMPs also form the basis for management of radiation safety and safe transport of uranium from Tiris, following international guidelines.
Mauritania already has well-established laws for the production, transport and export of uranium, as defined by the Law of Nuclear Energy (2010). Mauritania is also a member state of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and a signatory to the nuclear non-proliferation and safeguards treaties. Under the Law of Nuclear Energy, prior authorisation from the ARSN is required for the production, processing, handling, transport, export and disposal of radioactive materials. This is in line with general requirements for the development of a uranium mine and/or processing facility in any jurisdiction.
“We are pleased to have initiated this process with the ARSN and look forward to collaborating closely with them to ensure that Tiris is developed as a world class example of safety and environmental management,” Aura’s Acting CEO, Dr Will Goodall, said.
“The establishment of ARSN is a positive outcome of the planning by the Mauritanian Government in preparation for becoming a uranium producing and exporting country. The ARSN authorisations framework provides a clear pathway for uranium production and export and, through the Government’s close collaboration with the IAEA, we are confident the process will be smooth and transparent.
“The Aura team recently met with Mr Ishagh Mohamed Moussa, President of ARSN in Nouakchott to discuss the requirements and opportunities to educate stakeholders on the benefits of uranium production for Mauritania. Aura looks forward to collaborating closely with Mr Moussa and his team through the development of Tiris, as we continue to advance to uranium production.
“As Mauritania is a member state of the IAEA and signatory to key international conventions and treaties, we have identified a clear pathway to the grant of an export permit for uranium oxide concentrate. The framework to secure authorisations is clear and through close collaboration with ARSN we look forward to development of Tiris.”
The Tiris Uranium Project is an evolving major greenfields uranium discovery in Mauritania, with Aura announcing a Resource Upgrade in August 2021, bringing the total JORC Resource to 56 Mlbs (at a 100 ppm U3O8 lower cut-off grade).
Aura completed a 2021 capital estimate update for the Tiris Definitive Feasibility Study, to reflect current global pricing, reconfirming Tiris as one of the lowest capex, lowest operating cost uranium projects slated for development.
In October 2021, the company entered a US$10m Offtake Financing Agreement with Curzon, which includes an additional up to US$10m facility, bringing the maximum available under the agreement to US$20m. In 2022, Aura will continue to transition from an advanced uranium explorer to uranium producer, to capitalise on the growing appetite for nuclear power as a critical, baseload, near-zero-carbon energy source to help drive the global shift towards decarbonising energy generation.
For further information please visit: https://www.auraenergy.com.au/
