Alligator, SA's most advanced uranium player, has a southern advantage and the 'discovery of the year'

Core Viewpoint - The global uranium narrative has shifted from potential to immediate necessity as nuclear power gains traction in the energy mix, prompting investors to focus on companies that can effectively transition from discovery to production [1] Company Overview - Alligator Energy (ASX:AGE) is positioned as a leading near-term uranium developer in Australia, with significant exploration potential and a strong management team experienced in delivering tier-one projects [3][16] - The company operates in South Australia, the only state in Australia currently producing uranium, which provides a favorable regulatory environment and a clear pathway to project approval [4][5] Project Development - Alligator's flagship project, Samphire, is advancing towards production using In-Situ Recovery (ISR) technology, which is responsible for approximately 60% of global uranium production [8] - The commissioning of the pilot plant for the Field Recovery Trial (FRT) is scheduled for mid-February, marking a significant de-risking event that will validate previous studies and provide data for the upcoming Bankable Feasibility Study [9][10] Resource Potential - The Samphire project currently has a Mineral Resource Estimate of 18 million pounds (Mlbs) of uranium concentrate, with an Exploration Target ranging from 14Mlbs to 75Mlbs U₃O₈, indicating substantial growth potential as only 28% of known paleochannels have been drill-tested [11][12] Recent Discoveries - In 2024, Alligator made a significant discovery at Big Lake, recognized as the "Discovery of the Year" at the 2025 Australian Mining Prospect Awards, highlighting its potential to become a major ISR uranium field [14] - A new drilling campaign at Big Lake is set to begin in early March to expand on previous findings [15] Leadership and Experience - The leadership team, led by Dr. Andrea Marsland-Smith, has a proven track record in uranium mining, including securing approvals and managing large-scale operations [16][17][18] Upcoming Milestones - Key upcoming milestones include the commissioning of the pilot plant in February, initial FRT results in early March, and an update to the Mineral Resource Estimate for Samphire in April [19][22]