Critical One Energy (formerly Madison Metals Inc.) says the latest initial metallurgical test work results at its Khan Uranium Project at Madison West demonstrate excellent uranium recovery rates and low acid consumption.
In a report this week, Critical One Energy said the initial test work achieved recovery rates ranging from 71.1% to 86.6%, indicating strong extractability.
Acid consumption was measured at a maximum of 14.2 kg/t, significantly below regional benchmarks like the Husab Mine, which averages 34 kg/t.
Low niobium (Nb) and tantalum (Ta) suggest limited betafite, enhancing processing simplicity.
As at other significant uranium deposits in the region, such as Rössing, Husab, and Valencia, uranium at Critical One’s Khan Project is hosted mainly in D-type leucogranites with limited mineralisation at the contact zones with the country rocks.
Critical One Energy conducted bottle roll leach tests from three reverse circulation samples collected during the August 2024 drilling campaign.
The main aim of the test work was to obtain an indication of acid consumption to be expected (acid consumption index, or ACI) and ascertain U₃O₈ recovery.
Uranium extraction achieved ranges from 71.1% to 86.6%. Acid consumption is low at a maximum of 14.2 kg/t, much lower than the Husab Mine at 34 kg/t.
Although preliminary and limited in scope, the results are promising and have provided further confidence in Critical One’s Khan Uranium Project.
Additionally, the samples were analyzed for Nb and Ta, which are minor elements in betafite—a refractory uranium-bearing mineral found in Rössing ore.
At Rössing, betafite typically can constitute 4% of the ore.
The low Nb value and undetected Ta indicate the potential for low betafite in the Khan leucogranites.
Critical One Energy CEO Duane Parnham said these results firmly position the Khan project as a game-changer in the uranium industry.
Parnham said Critical One Energy is advancing toward redefining what’s possible in uranium production with exceptional recovery rates and unparalleled cost efficiency.
Bernard Sililo assessed the results.
Sililo brings over 20 years of expertise in uranium metallurgy, having served as a metallurgist at Rössing Uranium and currently as a lecturer at the Namibia University of Science and Technology.
