Alligator Energy (ASX:AGE) achieved a primary operational milestone at its Samphire Project in South Australia, confirming the commencement of uranium extraction as part of a pivotal field recovery trial.
The announcement follows the completion of plant commissioning earlier this month, marking a transition from preparatory infrastructure build to active mineral recovery.
The company reported that pre-conditioning of the test pattern has been finalised, allowing for the introduction of reagents to form the lixiviant solution.
The process facilitates the extraction of uranium-bearing solution from the initial trial wellfield.
While the operation has not yet reached its peak targeted extraction rate, technical teams have confirmed the presence of uranium concentrations within the pregnant liquor solution currently flowing into the processing plant.
CEO Andrea Marsland-Smith characterised the development as a critical "de-risking" step for the asset.
"The deposit is responding well to the in-situ recovery process in these early stages," Marsland-Smith noted, adding that the pilot plant and wellfield infrastructure are currently performing in line with design expectations.
The FRT is scheduled to run for approximately four months, serving as a data-gathering mission to refine recovery performance and operating parameters.
Alligator Energy is pursuing resource upgrades at the Plumbush prospect and aggressive drilling at the nearby Big Lake Project.
At the time of reporting, Alligator Energy's share price was $0.034.