Pioneer Lithium Uncovers Major Uranium Anomalies at Skull Creek Project

Broad Radiometric Anomalies Signal Major Uranium Potential at Pioneer's Skull Creek Project

Pioneer Lithium (ASX: PLN) has completed its comprehensive soil sampling program at the Skull Creek Uranium Project in Colorado, USA, revealing extensive radiometric anomalies spanning the entire 17km strike length of the project. The program, which collected 848 samples, has identified multiple large-scale radiometric targets suggesting significant uranium mineralisation potential beneath shallow soil cover.

District-Scale Anomalies Point to Substantial Uranium Potential

The recently completed two-phase sampling program has successfully identified several major radiometric anomalies across the project, including:

• Countyline Prospect: Two distinct anomalous zones, the largest measuring approximately 1,040 × 240 metres
• Blue Mountain Prospect: A coherent anomalous zone spanning roughly 1,040 × 200 metres
• Railroad Prospect: A defined anomalous area measuring approximately 640 × 160 metres

These newly discovered radiometric anomalies were previously undetectable due to soil cover, marking a significant advancement in understanding the project's mineralisation potential. The anomalies align with the Sego Sandstone host horizon and carbonaceous shales that typically provide redox traps for Colorado Plateau uranium systems.

"The preliminary results interpreted from the radiometric recordings taken from the bottom of each sample location are exciting. They demonstrate large areas of elevated radioactivity across the full length of the prospect which were previously undetectable due to the presence of the soil cover," said Pioneer's Chief Executive Officer, Michael Beven.

High-Grade Surface Samples Confirm Uranium Presence

The sampling program builds on earlier rock chip sampling that returned values of up to 1,240 ppm U₃O₈ at the Blue Mountain prospect. This high-grade surface sample is now supported by a 1km-long zone of anomalous radiometric readings, enhancing confidence in the prospect's potential.

The company completed an initial orientation phase of approximately 100 samples, followed by a more extensive phase of 748 samples across three target blocks. Samples were collected on a nominal 80 × 40 metre grid, providing comprehensive coverage of the prospective areas.

Understanding Colorado Plateau Uranium Systems

Colorado Plateau uranium deposits typically form where uranium-bearing groundwater interacts with reducing environments, often associated with carbonaceous materials like coal, lignite, or organic-rich shales. At Skull Creek, the target Sego Sandstone and adjacent carbonaceous shales create ideal conditions for uranium mineralisation.

The Colorado Plateau uranium province, which includes the historic Uravan Belt, has been a significant source of uranium production in the United States. These deposits form through a specific geochemical process where:

1. Uranium-rich groundwater moves through permeable sandstone units
2. When this groundwater encounters reducing environments (like organic-rich shales or coal seams), the uranium precipitates
3. This creates zones of uranium concentration along what geologists call "redox boundaries" – the interface between oxidised and reduced conditions

The Pioneer Lithium Ltd Skull Creek Project targets this exact geological setting, with the Sego Sandstone serving as the host rock and adjacent carbonaceous shales providing the reducing environment necessary for uranium deposition.

The sampling program has identified key geochemical pathfinders that help differentiate between primary mineralisation and broader, lower-grade uranium occurrences. The most significant pathfinder elements include:

• Vanadium, Silver, Copper, and Molybdenum: Strong indicators of primary Colorado Plateau-style uranium mineralisation
• Arsenic, Iron, and Selenium: Define dispersion halos around uranium deposits and help identify reduced or oxidised zones

These pathfinder elements will be crucial in identifying the most promising drill targets within the broader radiometric anomalies.

Strategic Timing Amid US Policy Support for Domestic Uranium

Pioneer's exploration program aligns with renewed U.S. policy support for domestic uranium production, including executive orders prioritising energy security and reducing import reliance. As a 100% owned asset in a Tier-1 jurisdiction, Skull Creek positions Pioneer to potentially benefit from growing uranium demand and favourable geopolitical conditions.

The uranium market has seen strengthening fundamentals in recent years, with supply constraints and increasing demand from nuclear power generation creating favourable conditions for new uranium projects, particularly those in stable jurisdictions like the United States.

Next Steps: From Anomalies to Drill Targets

With the sampling phase now complete, Pioneer is advancing to the next stage of exploration:

1. Analysis of 748 samples sent to ALS for multi-element testing, with results expected in approximately three weeks
2. Remobilisation of the geological team from Bigrock Exploration for detailed geological mapping
3. Applications for drill permitting underway
4. Development of specific drill targets based on sample results and pathfinder element associations

The company will use the combination of radiometric anomalies, geochemical pathfinders, and geological mapping to identify the most promising zones for initial drilling.

Technical Analysis of Sampling Methodology

Pioneer's exploration team adopted a systematic approach to the Skull Creek sampling program:

1. Initial Orientation Phase: Approximately 100 samples were collected to determine the effectiveness of soil sampling in the project area. This phase revealed that soil development at Skull Creek is poor and inconsistent, making traditional soil sampling unreliable.

2. Adapted Methodology: Based on phase 1 findings, the team adjusted their approach for phase 2, digging through the soils to sample from the top of the weathered bedrock, ensuring consistent sample media across the project.

3. Radiometric Measurements: At each sample location, a RadiaCode 102 detector was placed at the bottom of the sample pit to record radiometric readings. The company validated this methodology by demonstrating a strong correlation between the RC-102 readings and more precise RS-125 Spectrometer measurements.

4. Geochemical Analysis: The program identified significant pathfinder element associations, with U, As, and Se correlation indicating reduced zones, while U with V, Ag, Cu, and Mo suggests primary Colorado Plateau-style mineralisation.

Why Investors Should Watch Pioneer's Uranium Play

Pioneer Lithium's Skull Creek Uranium Project represents a compelling investment opportunity for several reasons:

1. District-Scale Potential: The 17km strike length with multiple large radiometric anomalies suggests potential for significant uranium resources

2. Tier-1 Jurisdiction: Located in Colorado, USA, providing geopolitical stability and supportive mining regulations

3. Historical Context: Situated within the Colorado Plateau uranium province including the historic Uravan Belt, an area with proven uranium production

4. Timing Advantage: Exploration coincides with renewed U.S. focus on domestic uranium supply

5. Methodical Approach: Pioneer's staged exploration program demonstrates technical rigour and cost-effective advancement

The discovery of these broad radiometric anomalies represents a significant milestone for Pioneer, transforming Skull Creek from an early-stage prospect to a project with defined target areas of substantial scale. As geochemical results become available and drill targets are refined, investors should watch closely for further developments that could potentially establish Skull Creek as a meaningful uranium asset in the U.S. domestic supply chain.

Ready to Capitalise on Pioneer's Uranium Discovery?

With broad radiometric anomalies spanning a 17km strike length at the Skull Creek Project in Colorado, Pioneer Lithium (ASX: PLN) is positioned at the forefront of uranium exploration in a Tier-1 jurisdiction. Don't miss the opportunity to follow this emerging story as Pioneer advances from anomalies to drill targets in America's historic uranium-producing region. Subscribe to Pioneer's YouTube channel for the latest updates and investment insights on this compelling uranium play.