Uranium prices have grinded higher in 2021 and the outlook has never looked better for U.S uranium miners with forecast uranium deficits in the years ahead. US uranium producers are well placed to benefit from the Biden policies that understand the importance of nuclear and securing uranium. Right now the USA produces virtually zero uranium and is dependent upon Russia (including Russia controlled sources in Kazakhstan) for about 50% of their uranium supply. 20% of U.S electricity relies on nuclear as does much of the U.S Navy fleet.
Ur-Energy Inc. (NYSE American: URG | TSX: URE) is among the top two U.S uranium producers and is a global low cost uranium producer. Ur-Energy operates the Lost Creek in-situ recovery uranium facility in south-central Wyoming, USA, currently on hold due to the uranium prices bear market. The stock is having a stellar year, up 207% over the past year boosted by improving uranium prices and positive uranium policy from the Biden administration.
Ur-Energy’s stock has been rising with the beginning of what looks to be a new uranium bull market
Source: Yahoo finance
An update on Ur-Energy
Over the past year, the Company has been working on their expansion plans. Ur-Energy now has all major permits and authorizations to begin construction at Shirley Basin, the Company’s second in situ recovery uranium facility in Wyoming and is in the process of obtaining remaining amendments to Lost Creek authorizations for expansion of Lost Creek.
At Lost Creek, the mine is currently on care and maintenance awaiting higher uranium prices or suitably priced long term contracts.
Ur-Energy’s revenue is ‘forecast’ to rise exponentially the next 2 years
Based on an online analyst’s forecasts, Ur-Energy is set to grow revenues from US$8 million in 2021 (close to zero in operating profits) to US$24 million in 2022 (US$24 million in operating profits), and to US$75 million in 2023 (US$40 million in operating profits). That’s a tremendous forecast revenue rise and would be mostly due to the anticipated ramp up in uranium production by Ur-Energy, forecast uranium deficits with stronger uranium pricing, and the U.S plan to establish a US$150 million pa U.S. uranium reserve building program over the next 10 years.
Joining the broad-market Russell 3000® Index
Announced on June 7, 2021, Ur-Energy is set to join the broad-market Russell 3000® Index as of June 28, 2021. This is a significant milestone achievement for the Company. Approximately $17.9 trillion is currently benchmarked to FTSE Russell indexes. Ur-Energy Chairman and CEO Jeff Klenda, stated:
“Ur-Energy is excited to be included in the Russell 3000® Index. This listing reflects the significant increase in our market capitalization over the past several months, and our continued effort to build shareholder value. Inclusion in the Russell 3000® is significant as the Russell indexes are widely followed by the investment community. We believe inclusion in the Russell index provides us with the opportunity to expand our shareholder registry as we continue to progress our strategic initiatives and maintain operational readiness until we ramp-up production operations at our Lost Creek Project.”
Closing remarks
All indicators are pointing to higher priced uranium. A key being forecast global deficits the next 5 years+ due to strong demand and constrained supply. Another is that the Biden administration is pro smart nuclear, and the U.S wanting to achieve an independent supply of critical materials such as uranium. The only way to do this is by buying uranium from ally countries or more ideally from U.S producers on long term contracts that are profitable for the miners. Existing U.S demand to feed the U.S’s nuclear reactors and military plus supply to build the reserve are all critical priorities right now for the USA.
Ur-Energy is ideally positioned in the USA to play a very significant part in restoring U.S energy security and the U.S uranium reserve. This helps explain why the stock has already run ahead by 207% in the past year and now trades on a market cap of US$316 million. The stock may well take a short-term pause but the next decade looks very strong for Ur-Energy.
Further learning
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