Critical One - High-Grade, Low-Cost Uranium Recovery at Khan Project
Critical One - High-Grade, Low-Cost Uranium Recovery at
Khan Project
TORONTO, ON – January 2, 2025 – Critical One Energy Inc. (formerly Madison Metals
Inc.) (“Critical One”) (CSE: CRTL) (OTCQB: MMTLF) (FSE: 4EF0) is pleased to share the
results of initial metallurgical test work at its Khan Uranium Project at Madison West in
Namibia’s highly prospective Erongo uranium province. The results demonstrate
excellent uranium recovery rates and low acid consumption, reinforcing the project’s
potential as a high-quality, cost-efficient uranium asset.
Highlights of the Metallurgical Test Work:
• Uranium Recovery: Initial test work achieved recovery rates ranging from 71.1%
to 86.6%, indicating strong extractability.
• Low Acid Consumption: 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.
• Minimal Refractory Minerals: Low levels of niobium (Nb) and tantalum (Ta)
suggest limited betafite, enhancing processing simplicity.
"These results firmly position our Khan project as a game -changer in the uranium
industry, " said Duane Parnham, Executive Chairman and CEO of Critical One. "With
exceptional recovery rates and unparalleled cost efficiency, we are advancing toward
redefining what’s possible in uranium production. "
Evaluation of the results was carried out by Mr. Bernard Sililo. Mr. 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
(NUST).
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 mineralization at the contact zones with the country rocks. The Company
conducted bottle roll leach tests from three reverse circulation samples collected during
the August 2024 drilling campaign (see Table 1).
The main aim of the test work was to obtain an indication of acid consumption to be
expected (acid consumption index - 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 very 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 present
in betafite —a refractory uranium -bearing mineral found in Rössing ore. At Rössing,
betafite typically can constitute 4% of the or e. The low Nb value and undetected Ta
indicate the potential for low betafite in the Khan leucogranites.
Table 1: Results of the initial metallurgical test work
Drillhole
ID
Depth
(metre)
Sample
ID
Head
grade
(U₃O₈
ppm)
Recovery
%
Acid
consumption
(kg/t)
Nb
(ppm)
Ta
(ppm)
RC003 144-145 F5124 360.6 82.00 14.21 8.8 <5
RC005 61-64 F5125 562.7 86.60 2.45 17.2 <5
RC005 115-116 F5126 567 77.10 4.41 14.1 <5
Critical One remains optimistic about these preliminary results and is committed to
advancing the company’s understanding of the project’s potential. Further studies to be
addressed during the next drilling phase will build on these findings to refine processing
strategies and assess economic viability.
The Company is also pleased to report that the vendors have agreed to extend the
contract (see news release dated April 27, 2023) for an additional three months after the
Company has spent NAD$16 million to date.
Qualified Person
Mary Barton, a Professional Natural Scientist (SACNASP) and a Qualified Person for the
purposes of National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) Standards of Disclosure for Mineral
Projects for ML86A, has reviewed, verified, and approved the technical information
contained in this news release.
About Critical One Energy Inc.
Critical One Energy Inc. (formerly Madison Metals Inc.) is a forward-focused critical
minerals and upstream energy company, powering the future of clean energy and
advanced technologies. Backed by seasoned management expertise and prime
resource assets, Critical One is strategically positioned to meet the rising global demand
for critical minerals and metals. Its mine exploration portfolio is led by antimony in
Canada and uranium in Namibia, Africa. By leveraging its technical, managerial, and
financial expertise, the Company upgrades and creates high-value projects while joint
venturing non-core assets to generate cash flow, driving growth and delivering value for
its shareholders.
Additional information about Critical One Energy Inc. can be found at madisonmetals.ca
and on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at sedarplus.ca.
For further information, please contact:
Duane Parnham
Executive Chairman & CEO
Critical One Energy Inc.
+1 (416) 489-0092
Media inquiries:
Adam Bello
Manager, Media & Analyst Relations
Primoris Group Inc.
+1 (416) 489-0092
Neither the CSE nor CIRO accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this
release.
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