Anson Resources Ltd (ASX:ASN, OTCQB:ANSNF) is on the verge of a new uranium exploration campaign at the Yellow Cat Uranium and Vanadium Project in Grand County, Utah.
This follows the completion of environmental and cultural surveys across the proposed exploration areas, which tick all the boxes.
The Brisbane-based company, through wholly-owned subsidiary UV1 Minerals LLC, has announced plans to drill 27 exploratory holes in the Yellow Cat/Poison Strip area, leveraging existing access routes to minimise environmental impact.
Environmental impact minimised
An environmental survey determined that the proposed project would not directly impact any special status plant species (SSS).
The cliffs and rocky outcrops within half a mile of the proposed drill sites were considered poor nesting habitat for birds, lacking sufficient height and ledges to provide platforms for nesting.
These areas range in height from 10 feet to 20 feet and are composed of crumbly mudstone that erodes and breaks apart easily. No new nest sites were observed during the surveys.
The drills will test a potential 2-kilometre high-grade strike extension following the east-west mineralised trend previously identified in phase two of the exploration program.
Previous exploration results have been promising, with sampling yielding high-grade assay values of up to 10.33% U3O8 and 25.6% V2O5.
These results underline the project's potential to significantly bolster the domestic supply of these critical minerals.
Strong prices buoy mission
The exploration program will take place near the historical Mineral Treasure and Red Vanadium Group mines, covering a combined area of more than 33,500 square metres and featuring numerous adits and mining access roads.
In addition to drilling, Anson plans to conduct aerial magnetic and radiometric surveys to further define the mineralisation extent and assess new target areas.
As it prepares the drills the company is buoyed by a resurgence in uranium demand, spurred by recent increases in uranium prices and supportive policies from the United States Government.
The announcement follows the company's submission of a Notice of Intent to the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining and the Bureau of Land Management, which will allow Anson to proceed with drilling upon receiving regulatory approvals.