Drill Core Results Confirm High-Grade Extensions at Likuyu North Deposit

Gladiator Resources Ltd (ASX: GLA) has revealed groundbreaking laboratory results from its 2024 drilling program at the Mkuju Uranium Project in South-West Tanzania. The results underscore the potential of the Likuyu North deposit for significant expansion, strengthening its economic viability, especially with In Situ Recovery (ISR) mining.

Key Highlights

• High-grade uranium intersections confirmed at Likuyu North and nearby targets.
• Laboratory analyses validate gamma-ray findings, confirming substantial mineralization.
• Likuyu North shows potential for a southward extension of up to 350 meters.
• ISR-compatible geology supports cost-effective and environmentally sustainable mining.

High-Grade Uranium Mineralization at Likuyu North

Core sample analyses performed by SGS Johannesburg validate gamma-ray survey results, confirming high-grade uranium intersections. Notable findings include:

Hole LNDD015

• 112.4m depth: 0.4 meters at 1,031 ppm U₃O₈.
• 135.9m depth: 1.7 meters at 690 ppm U₃O₈.

These findings highlight a substantial southward extension of the Likuyu North mineralization zone, opening up exciting opportunities for resource growth.

ISR-Favorable Geology: Unlocking Economic Potential

One of the most critical aspects of the Likuyu North deposit is its suitability for ISR mining, a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable method of uranium extraction. Key geological factors make the deposit ideal for ISR:

• Permeable Sandstone Layers: Facilitate the movement of the lixiviant (leaching solution).
• Confined Aquifers: Minimize chemical dispersion beyond the target zone.

Unlike traditional open-pit or underground mining, ISR eliminates the need for disruptive excavation, reducing both operational costs and the environmental footprint.

Expanding the Likuyu North Resource

The 2024 drilling campaign builds on prior exploration data, including results from the 2011 aircore drilling program, to reveal the significant potential for resource expansion.

Aircore Data from Hole LNAC0172

• 72m depth: 4.6 meters at 242 ppm eU₃O₈.
• This data demonstrates continuity of mineralization and indicates the likelihood of matching—or even surpassing—the existing 4.6Mlb U₃O₈ resource at Likuyu North.

Additional Target Insights

The Mkuju Uranium Project is not limited to Likuyu North; other high-priority targets within the project area show promising results:

SWC Target

Near-surface uranium zones with high grades make this target ideal for early-stage mining:

• SWDD001: 7.0 meters at 1,702 ppm U₃O₈ from surface.
• SWDD002: 4.7 meters at 1,807 ppm U₃O₈ from 0.2 meters.

Mtonya Target

Drilling at the Mtonya target reinforces the broader prospectivity of the Mkuju Project, offering long-term growth potential.

Comparison of Results: 2024 vs. 2011

The latest drilling campaign builds upon earlier exploration work, presenting an increasingly detailed picture of the deposit’s potential. A comparative summary of results is as follows:

Strategic Steps Forward

To capitalize on the Likuyu North deposit’s potential, Gladiator Resources has outlined several key strategies:

Further Drilling Programs

Delineate resource extensions, particularly in the southern zones.

Hydrogeological Studies

Confirm ISR suitability through comprehensive tests on aquifer connectivity and permeability.

Resource Re-Estimation

Update the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) to incorporate the latest data.

Pre-Feasibility Analysis

Assess economic feasibility, including infrastructure requirements and environmental impact.

Economic and Strategic Implications

The confirmation of high-grade uranium mineralization and the potential for resource expansion offer transformative opportunities for Gladiator Resources.

Enhanced Project Value

Expanded resources will significantly enhance the project’s valuation.

Cost-Effective Mining

ISR mining ensures lower operational costs and a smaller environmental footprint.

Global Market Positioning

Strengthens Gladiator’s competitive position in the growing uranium market, driven by demand for clean energy solutions.

What’s Next?

The 2024 drill core results mark a pivotal milestone for the Mkuju Uranium Project. High-grade uranium intersections, potential resource expansions at Likuyu North, and promising results from adjacent targets solidify Gladiator Resources’ (ASX: GLA) position as a key player in the uranium sector. With strategic exploration and development, the company is well-poised to meet the increasing global demand for sustainable uranium resources.