Desert logistics
Fuel trucked from Bir Mogrein, drinking water from Iguetti, brackish drilling water sourced on site.
01
Our story
It began with a geological conviction: the Reguibat Shield, stretching some 1,500 km across northern Mauritania, exposes an Archean and Proterozoic basement among the most promising in West Africa for uranium, gold and base metals.
In April 2008, a joint-venture agreement was signed between BSA and Minergy Limited over three group 4 licences (278, 279 and 280), with a clear goal: to scientifically document the uranium potential of the Tiferchai sector.
The work programme launched in December 2009 rapidly confirmed three major radiometric anomalies — J, G and M — which became the focus of every subsequent campaign.
The Tiferchai crystalline axis plunges progressively beneath the Tindouf and Taoudeni sedimentary basins, between the Yetti and Eglab massifs.
Operating area — Tiferchai
Five to six hours north of Nouakchott, about 130 km east of Nouadhibou: tarmac road, then 65 km of desert track to camp.
Timeline of works
2008
Founding partnership
BSA / Minergy Limited joint venture over group 4 licences 278, 279 and 280.
2009
Anomalies confirmed
December work programme: ground surveys over anomalies J, G and M. Peak measured at 6,643 ppm U₃O₈.
2010
First RC drilling
Reconnaissance drilling on anomalies J and G North, assays by SGS Johannesburg.
April 2011
Trenching campaign
10 trenches, 1,049 metres excavated, 1,044 samples collected and assayed.
December 2011
Inclined drilling
27 holes, 508 metres drilled by Drillcorp Sahara; carnotite identified, Ministry supervision mission.
2012
Technical report
VP3 Geoservices synthesis and definition of priority targets for the next phase.
02
Challenges & achievements
6,643 ppm
Peak U₃O₈ measured
1,044
Samples assayed
508 m
Inclined RC drilling
6
Licences covered
1,049 m
Trenches excavated
1,500 km
Of shield explored
Challenges worthy of the terrain
Every metre drilled at Tiferchai was won against demanding desert logistics.
Sensitive area
Military zone: every crew rotation and equipment movement required prior authorisation.
Communications
Satellite link and BGAN terminal to transmit data and reports from camp.
Sand cover
Anomaly G, masked by sand, required a trenching response before any drilling.
Scientific results
- Carnotite identified across all three anomalies J, G and M.
- Anomaly J: average 2,793 ppm U₃O₈, peak 6,643 ppm.
- Anomaly G North: average 357 ppm, peak 1,915 ppm.
- Anomaly M North: 1,436 ppm and 757 ppm in calcretes.
- Continuity of mineralisation confirmed in drill holes.
- Mafic dyke interpreted as a shear zone, with indications of deeper primary mineralisation.
Work carried out in the Tiferchai sector was conducted in line with the approved programme and under the supervision of the Directorate of Mines.
Outlook
The March 2012 recommendations call for 25 to 50 metre inclined holes on anomaly G North, within permits 1472_B4 and 1473_B4, to test the mineralisation at depth.