NexGen Energy Ltd. ("NexGen") (TSX: NXE) (NYSE: NXE) (ASX: NXG) is excited to announce the commencement of a 43,000 meter (m) exploration drill program to continue to test the extents and growth of mineralization discovered in early 2024 at Patterson Corridor East (PCE) located 3.5 km east of the world-class Arrow Deposit. This systematic program represents an increase of 9,000 m from the 2024 program and is expected to be one of the largest drill programs in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan in 2025. The initial results at PCE revealed vein-type uranium mineralization intersected within the competent basement rock, highly analogous to Arrow. Since discovery, the mineralized footprint at PCE has rapidly grown to 600 m along strike and 600 m of vertical extent (see November 12, 2024 news release).
Drilling in 2025 will focus on testing extents of the mineralized footprint, further investigating high-grade zones within the broad mineralized footprint, and determining potential for additional mineralization within the same target area (Figure 1). Since discovery and over the 2024 campaign 19 of the 30 initial holes intersected mineralization with 10 intersecting intermittent widths of high grade of >10,000 cps mineralization. In addition, strategic use of geophysics will cover prospective areas on SW3 to refine a growing inventory of drill ready targets across NexGen's dominant southwest Athabasca Basin land position. Assays for 2024 drilling will be reported once fully received in Q1 2025.
Leigh Curyer, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "In early 2024, we launched a bold grass roots exploration program aimed at discovering new uranium resources to address the material and growing uranium demand / supply gap. NexGen's disciplined and systematic approach to evaluating high-priority targets resulted in the discovery and material growth of mineralization at PCE. This highly prospective area continues to be the central focus of our exploration efforts given the clear potential demonstrated to date at PCE. This is a strategic focus to contribute sustainable supply to the growing demand for uranium to fuel the global energy needs."
Jason Craven, Vice President, Exploration, commented: "The scale of this year's drill program speaks to our excitement for PCE and a commitment to efficiently and thoroughly assess it. Continuity of mineralization, as well as intensity of high-grade mineralization and alteration, indicate a system with strong potential for continued growth. These are compelling early days at PCE where we will remain solely focused on unlocking its full potential."
With over $800M in cash and liquid assets, NexGen is optimally funded for the ongoing development of the Rook I Project as well as the PCE exploration program and for general corporate purposes.
