GTI Energy Ltd (ASX:GTR, OTC:GTRIF) has appointed Simon Williamson, former general manager and director of Cameco Australia, as a non-executive director.
Williamson brings extensive experience in the uranium industry, having spent 13 years at Cameco, where he managed strategic and operational direction, project approvals and relations with key government and community stakeholders.
Uranium project involvement
Williamson’s expertise includes project due diligence, feasibility studies and regulatory affairs. His involvement in major uranium projects, such as Kintyre and Yeelirrie, and his contributions to Cameco’s global ESG reporting processes highlight his comprehensive skill set.
Prior to his role at Cameco, Williamson held various positions with industry participants in Australia and the US, including Cliffs, Sons of Gwalia, the WA Chamber of Minerals and Energy and WMC.
GTI chairman Nathan Lude has stepped down after five years, during which he helped establish GTI as an ISR uranium developer in the US. The board expressed gratitude for his leadership and contributions.
"Wealth of experience"
Executive director Bruce Lane said: “We are delighted to secure Simon’s services as a director, he brings a wealth of highly relevant technical, governance and commercial experience in addition to his significant industry relationships.
“Simon’s appointment strengthens the board's uranium project development capability, and we expect his input to be invaluable as we accelerate development at the company’s flagship Lo Herma Project. We welcome him onboard and look forward to his contribution.
“I would also like to take this opportunity thank Nathan for his guidance and assistance over the last five years.
“He has made a very significant contribution to the company and has helped position GTI to take advantage of the strong tailwinds currently being experienced by the US uranium sector.”
Lo Herma drilling on horizon
In other news, GTI has contracted a Wyoming-based exploration drilling contractor for its July drill program at the Lo Herma Project.
The 2024 drilling program includes 71 drill hole locations and construction of up to five groundwater monitoring wells.
This phase aims to expand resource areas and upgrade the current mineral resource classification. Data collection, including hydrogeologic parameters and rock core samples for metallurgical testing, will also be prioritised.
A drilling permit is progressing with the State of Wyoming’s Land Quality Division review.
GTI anticipates mobilising drilling rigs to Lo Herma once all permits and environmental clearances are finalised, with drilling expected to kick off next month.
Following the 2024 drill program, GTI plans to publish an updated mineral resource estimate and exploration target range for Lo Herma, which will support the development of a scoping study to demonstrate the project's economic potential.
Green Mountain permitting
GTI has finalised the maiden drill plan for the Green Mountain project, selecting 16 drill holes for the 2024 drilling season, subject to funding and weather conditions.
The program aims to validate historical Kerr McGee drill hole maps and interpret mineralised regions from an airborne geophysical survey. On-site drill site access reviews are complete, and the drilling notification paperwork has been submitted.
GTI will decide to proceed with the Green Mountain drill program once reclamation bonding is approved by Wyoming's Department of Environmental Quality and the Federal Bureau of Land Management.