EPA says still vetting application of Canadian firm for uranium project

Aug 18, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is still reviewing an application made by Canada-based U92 Energy Corp. for its uranium project in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

This was confirmed by Executive Director of EPA Dr. Kemraj Parsram on Monday. He said, “Yes we received an application and we are reviewing…the process is not completed as yet…”

EPA says still vetting application of Canadian firm for uranium project

Executive Director of the EPA, Kemraj Parsram

Dr. Parsram’s confirmation follows a recent statement made by U92 Energy that it anticipates receiving EPA approval this month, so it can commence phase one of its planned drill programme at the Kurupung Uranium Project.

The company disclosed in April that it submitted an environmental application to the EPA for phase one of its drill programme. In an update this month, U92 said it had subsequent correspondence with EPA and has submitted an Environmental Management Plan as requested by the agency.

Against this backdrop, the company said it has determined to proceed with completing the site infrastructure as it anticipates that the phase one drill programme will commence during the month of August, 2026 following receipt of the EPA’s approval of the environmental management plan.

However, Dr. Parsram underscored that EPA is the competent authority that decides “if and when” an authorisation is granted in accordance with the EPA Act. He further stated, “No environmental authorisation has been granted as yet.”

The Kurupung Uranium Project spans approximately 92.2 square kilometres and carries a historical resource estimate of 20.6 million pounds of uranium. Kaieteur News reported that U92 Energy acquired the project early 2026, through the acquisition of LIA Industries Pte. Ltd., a Singaporean firm.

Since taking control of the asset, U92 finalised a commercial agreement with Orbit Garant for phase one 5,000 metre diamond drill programme. The diamond drill rig assigned to U92 arrived earlier this year and now awaits approval to commence phase one drilling on high-priority targets at the project.

Map showing the location of the boundary of the two PLs that constitute the Project shown on a digital elevation model of topography.

In addition, U92 has already sourced key machineries to support access road upgrades and drill pad construction. The company also acquired the project’s historical technical and exploration dataset through a US$352,500 deal.

This publication reported that LIA Industries local subsidiary, LIA (Guyana) Inc. was incorporated in Guyana on 20^th March, 2023, and holds exclusive rights to occupy and explore the property under two Prospecting Licenses (PLs) issued by the Guyana Geology & Mines Commission (GGMC) on 19^th April, 2024.

The licences permit exploration of uranium, other radioactive minerals, and rare earth elements for three years, ending 18^th April, 2027, with an option to extend for up to two additional one-year periods through 18^th April, 2029.

Notably, U92 has described Kurupung as a project with a significant historical resource and a clear path to expansion, positioning it to meet growing global demand for nuclear energy as countries look to uranium as a low-carbon power source. While U92 Energy has been advancing plans to begin drilling at the uranium project, there has been mounting concerns over the proposed project from civil society and politicians.

The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), as well as Region Seven Vice-Chairman Alden Marslowe, has called for consultations and urged the government and the EPA to halt the project. The APA cited the absence of public and community-level consultations, as well as a lack of information about the project. Meanwhile, former EPA Executive Director Dr. Vincent Adams had warned that Guyana currently lacks the regulatory and technical capacity needed to safely oversee uranium mining.

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EPA, U92 Energy Corp., uranium project, vetting application

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