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U.S. Department of the Interior Greenlights Anfield’s Velvet-Wood Uranium-Vanadium Mine
Globenewswire·2025-05-27 11:00

Core Viewpoint - Anfield Energy Inc. has received approval from the U.S. Department of the Interior for its Velvet-Wood uranium project, marking a significant step in the U.S. government's efforts to enhance domestic energy security and reduce reliance on foreign sources [1][2][7]. Group 1: Project Approval and Significance - The Velvet-Wood project is the first uranium initiative prioritized under new emergency procedures aimed at expediting environmental reviews for critical energy infrastructure, with the Bureau of Land Management completing its review in less than 14 days [2][7]. - U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum emphasized that this approval represents a pivotal moment in securing America's mineral future and reducing dependence on foreign adversaries [2][7]. - The approval aligns with a series of Executive Orders signed by President Trump to revitalize the nuclear industrial base, focusing on various aspects such as the nuclear fuel cycle and domestic supply chain [2][3]. Group 2: Economic Assessment and Production Potential - The combined Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the Velvet-Wood and Slick Rock projects indicates a pre-tax NPV at 8% of US$238 million and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 40%, based on uranium and vanadium prices of US$70 per pound and US$12 per pound, respectively [4][5]. - Anfield's portfolio, including the Shootaring Canyon mill, positions the company as a key contributor to U.S. energy security, with the U.S. consuming nearly 50 million pounds of uranium annually while producing less than 1% domestically [5][12]. Group 3: Strategic Positioning and Future Plans - Anfield is pursuing a NASDAQ listing as part of its strategy to advance U.S. production capabilities [6]. - The company has a comprehensive portfolio of uranium assets located in the U.S., including the Velvet-Wood project, which is well-suited for accelerated development due to its past production history and minimal environmental impact [3][11][13]. - The Velvet-Wood mine, acquired from Uranium One in 2015, has historical production of approximately 4 million pounds of U3O8 and 5 million pounds of V2O5, showcasing its potential for future output [8][10].