In-Situ Recovery
ISR / In-Situ Leach
In-situ recovery (ISR) dissolves uranium in underground ore using oxygenated alkaline or acid solutions, then pumps it to surface for processing. It accounts for 57% of US uranium production.
ISR targets sandstone-hosted deposits <400m deep; recovery rates 70-90%. No surface disturbance, low cost ($20-40/lb U3O8). Key US producers: Uranium Energy Corp, enCore Energy. Restores aquifer post-mining.
Why it matters now
ISR ramps up to meet HALEU and SMR fuel needs in 2025-2026 amid spot price spikes. Bottlenecks in conventional mining favor ISR stocks for investors.