ENRG Elements, which focuses on exploring and developing uranium and copper projects, has used radiometrics and a recent trenching program to identify potentially significant uranium mineralisation at its flagship project in Niger, The West Australian reports.

The ASX-listed company said hand-held radiation survey devices provided readings up to 2900-times background levels, enabling preliminary identification of possible mineralised zones at its fully-owned Agadez Uranium Project within the highly prospective Tim Mersoi Basin.

In 2021, Niger was the world's seventh-highest uranium producer, with the Tim Mersoi Basin hosting the highest grade and biggest tonnage of uranium ore deposits in Africa.  

ENRG’s 2009 geophysical airborne magnetic and radiometric surveys indicated several highly-prospective areas across its Takardeit area, within its Terzemazour exploration permit (EP) that is part of its Agadez project.

Agadez has a JORC resource of 21.5 million pounds at 315 parts per million uranium, stretching from surface to a depth of 37m.

“This ground survey and trenching program has been important for ENRG Elements, providing crucial insights into the near-surface mineralisation at Takardeit and enhancing our understanding of the mineralised paleochannel systems in the region,” ENRG Elements managing director Caroline Keats is quoted as saying.

In July 2023, a group of soldiers from the presidential guard in Niger staged a coup and declared the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum from power.

Niger's recent decision to terminate its military agreement with the United States could be linked to accusations from Washington that the country's ruling National Council for the Salvation of the Homeland (NCSR) was secretly negotiating a deal to provide Iran with access to uranium resources, the Wall Street Journal reported on March 17.

Apart from Niger, two other African countries are currently mining uranium in industrial quantities, Namibia and South Africa. The three countries account for 18% of the global uranium ore sales market.