Berkeley Energia Limited (LON:BKY) has commenced the next phase of its exploration campaign on the Salamanca uranium project in Spain.
The aim is the discovery of additional deposits with similar characteristics to the company’s flagship Zona 7 project, currently under development, which is located close to the surface without a strong radiometric anomaly present.
The discovery of the high grade extensions at the Zona 7 deposit in late 2014 transformed the economics of the project and changed the company's geological model for the region.
WATCH: Berkeley Energia finalising costs as 'exciting' Salamanca construction ramps up
Following extensive structural mapping and the interpretation of regional geological structures, two areas totalling 100 square kilometres have been selected for an intensive geochemical sampling programme, that will include 2,500 samples on a 200 metre by 200 metre grid.
The programme will incorporate the latest uranium exploration techniques with samples being tested for mobile metal ions using the Ionic Leach technique. This highly sensitive technique can detect extremely low levels of uranium and other critical elements and is widely acknowledged to be the most adept at identifying subtle anomalies.
The company will also undertake ground radiometric survey readings and radon emissions tests at each of the sample collection points.
Two field crews will be focussed on carrying out the planned exploration activities during the coming months, with the goal of identifying drill targets.
Exploration at Zona 7 will also continue.
WATCH: Berkeley Energia on the hunt for the next Zona 7
Analysts pointed out that the "larger the deposit gets the more the potential offtake partners will need to rely on the mine for future supply and the more interest the project will attract from other strategic partners."
In early afternoon trading, Berkeley Energia shares were 4.3%, or 2p higher at 49p.
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