Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX:LOT, FRA:7D0) has secured acceptance from Orano Chimie-Enrichissement for uranium ore concentrate from its Kayelekera mine in Malawi at Orano’s conversion facility in Malvesi, France, marking a key step toward first sales from the restarted operation.
The approval follows months of work with Orano to optimise and qualify the Kayelekera product through an iterative process. Orano has agreed to accept the material, with independent laboratory testing results to be provided by Lotus as a condition for initial shipments.
Orano is also reviewing acceptance of material produced during the mine’s commissioning phase in Q4 2025.
Lotus remains on track to reach nameplate production at Kayelekera in Q2 CY26, following operational improvements through the second half of February and into March, while supply chains have remained stable.
Alternative export route under review
The company continues to prefer exporting U3O8 through the port of Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania, as flagged earlier in March. However, it is also advancing plans for exports via Walvis Bay in Namibia due to disruption in global shipping logistics, particularly vessel availability between Dar es Salaam and the Singapore trans-shipment hub.
To support this contingency route, Lotus is working with road transport provider Alistair Group and freight forwarder Orano NPS. The company said first uranium exports remain subject to final product preparation, testing, acceptance, permits and shipping arrangements, all expected in Q2 CY26.
“Orano’s acceptance of uranium marks a fantastic milestone for the Kayelekera restart, positioning Lotus as the next global uranium supplier. We are very excited to have achieved this acceptance by Orano CE, which allows us to now plan for first product to be dispatched from site. The first export of uranium is subject to final product preparation, testing, acceptance, permits and shipping arrangements, all expected to occur in Q2 CY26," Lotus managing director Greg Bittar said.
"Whilst we will continue working to achieve accreditation with the other two western converters, ConverDyn and Cameco, the ability to exchange or swap product between converters means an Orano CE account provides us with delivery flexibility across all contracts and for future sales.”
Lotus noted that while it will continue seeking accreditation with other western converters, the Orano account already gives it flexibility to deliver across contracts and future sales through product exchange or swap arrangements.