Standard Uranium Ltd. has commenced its inaugural diamond drilling program at the 12,364-hectare Corvo Uranium Project in northeastern Saskatchewan, marking the first drilling on the property in over 40 years. The fully funded campaign, operated by Standard Uranium and financed by partner Aventis Energy under an earn-in agreement, plans 2,500 to 3,000 meters across 8 to 10 holes targeting shallow, high-grade basement-hosted uranium mineralization. Initial focus is on the promising Manhattan target area, where surface prospecting in 2025 identified grab samples grading up to 8.10% U₃O₈. The program, expected to last five to six weeks, leverages recent geophysical data including ground gravity surveys and electromagnetic conductors to test high-priority zones on the eastern margin of the prolific Athabasca Basin.
Corvo Drilling Program Kicks Off with High-Potential Targets
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The Corvo Project spans 12,364 hectares across multiple mineral claims, strategically positioned along Highway 905 and approximately 60 km east of Cameco’s McArthur River mine—one of the world’s highest-grade uranium operations—and 45 km northeast of the Gemini Mineralized Zone held by Atha Energy. The property captures 29.3 km of prospective strike length along three northeast-trending magnetic low/electromagnetic (EM) conductor corridors, identified through historical and recent airborne and ground geophysical surveys.
Exploration efforts in 2025 significantly advanced the project’s targeting, including an extensive high-resolution ground gravity survey that refined anomalies coinciding with conductive corridors and favorable host rocks. Surface prospecting confirmed strong radioactivity and returned exceptional uranium grades, with grab samples from the Manhattan area reaching up to 8.10% U₃O₈. These results highlight the potential for shallow basement-hosted uranium mineralization, a style similar to several deposits in the eastern Athabasca Basin.
Program Details and Targeting Strategy
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The drilling campaign utilizes road-accessible, skid-supported diamond drills to minimize environmental impact and logistical challenges in the winter conditions. Approximately 2,500 to 3,000 meters are planned across 8 to 10 holes, with an anticipated duration of five to six weeks. The program prioritizes shallow targets to test for high-grade uranium zones efficiently.
Key elements of the targeting include:
Manhattan Target Area : Initial holes focus here due to confirmed high-grade surface uranium and associated radioactivity in ideal host rocks.
Electromagnetic Conductors : Prospective corridors identified by Xcite EM surveys, often associated with graphitic pelites or other reductants favorable for uranium deposition.
Gravity Anomalies : Recent ground gravity data highlights density contrasts that align with structural features and conductive trends, bolstering drill confidence.
Structural Controls : Cross-cutting faults and magnetic lows that enhance fluid pathways in basement lithologies.
This approach builds on the basin’s established geological model, where basement-hosted deposits can occur at relatively shallow depths compared to unconformity-style mineralization.
Strategic Positioning in a Tier-One Uranium District
The eastern Athabasca Basin remains one of the premier uranium jurisdictions globally, hosting world-class deposits and ongoing production. Corvo’s location on the basin margin positions it to potentially replicate success seen in nearby projects, where structural corridors and reductant-rich basement rocks control mineralization.
With uranium market fundamentals remaining supportive—driven by global nuclear energy demand growth, supply constraints, and geopolitical factors—the timing of this program aligns with heightened investor interest in advanced-stage exploration plays. Standard Uranium’s partnership with Aventis provides leveraged exposure to discovery potential without straining corporate balance sheets.
As drilling progresses, results from core sampling, downhole geophysics, and assays will provide critical insights into the subsurface expression of surface anomalies. The program sets the stage for further exploration at Corvo and positions Standard Uranium for additional 2026 campaigns across its portfolio.
Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, financial recommendation, or solicitation to buy or sell securities. Uranium exploration involves significant risks, including geological uncertainty, permitting delays, and market volatility. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult qualified professionals before making decisions.
