ASX-listed Lotus Resources reports breakthrough in low-acid uranium processing at Botswana project

About this update from Lotus Resources Limited

Lotus Resources Limited (ASX:LOT) has reported encouraging metallurgical testwork results from its Letlhakane Uranium Project in Botswana , showing potential to cut sulphuric-acid consumption by up to 70% while maintaining strong uranium recovery. The testwork, conducted in collaboration with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), underpins a re-engineered two-stage leaching flowsheet that supports Letlhakane’s positioning as a low-cost, large-scale development alongside Lotus’s operating Kayelekera Uranium Mine in Malawi . Lotus said the new process limits high-acidity leach conditions to the second leach stage, preserving uranium recovery while sharply reducing acid use and associated reagent costs. The company said the revised flowsheet remains viable at current uranium prices of around $82–85/lb U₃O₈. The update also eliminates solvent extraction from the treatment circuit. With lower acid concentrations, direct ion exchange becomes feasible for processing the Pregnant Leach Solution (PLS), simplifying operations and lowering both capital and operating expenditure. This modification marks a significant optimisation over the historical flowsheet developed by previous owner A-Cap Energy Ltd (ASX:ACB). Lotus said several parallel studies are now underway, including engineering design and cost estimation for the updated plant configuration, process modelling of column-leach results, and resource infill drilling to upgrade the current Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of 142.2 Mt @ 363 ppm U₃O₈ for 113.7 Mlb. These inputs will inform a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) scheduled for completion in 2H CY 2026. Managing Director Greg Bittar said the testwork demonstrates “a significant process optimisation” that can materially lower operating costs and environmental impact while reinforcing Letlhakane’s long-term potential as a complementary asset to Kayelekera. He added that the current drilling campaign aims to upgrade confidence in the MRE and strengthen the project’s economic case ahead of the PFS. If advanced as planned, Letlhakane would rank among the world’s top undeveloped uranium deposits and enhance Lotus’s standing as a multi-asset U₃O₈ producer. Lotus said reduced acid use would also cut waste volumes and reagent handling risks, supporting environmental compliance under Botswana’s mining regulations. © 2025 bne IntelliNews, source Magazine

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