Aura Energy Limited has received important and better than expected results for bioleach testwork for its giant Häggan uranium deposit in central Sweden.

Results from the first small scale column leach tests have indicated up to 75% uranium extraction as well as substantial extractions of other valuable metals.

Dr Bob Beeson MD of Aura stated that these results are a major breakthrough for the main project of the company. We knew that Häggan mineralization had the potential to be amenable to bioleaching from research results reported in August last year but these results are the first confirmation that bacterial heap leaching may be successful.

Dr Beeson said that to obtain 75% uranium extraction in the first column tests is well beyond our expectations. These initial results are a significant step forward for the project and our ongoing program will focus on improving extractions and determining the optimum conditions that can be used in a mining project.

He said that the company is currently undertaking a multi directional metallurgical test program to determine the optimal uranium extraction route for the project, while also trying to maximize the recovery of important co products.