Nexus Uranium Announces that USFS Confirms January 2026 Public Scoping Start for Chord Project

Executive Summary

• The U.S. Forest Service confirmed that public scoping for the Chord Uranium Project’s federal lands component will begin in mid‑January 2026, marking a key step toward obtaining a drill permit.
• Nexus has completed several federal permitting milestones—including Plan of Operations acceptance and execution of an MOU with the USFS—and is now preparing biological and hydrological specialist reports.
• The company outlined a proposed exploration program on federal lands (up to 17 drill holes, ~700 ft depth, ~1.4 acres surface disturbance) slated for completion within one year, pending NEPA review outcomes.

Key Details

• Scoping Confirmation: USFS will commence public scoping in mid‑January 2026; expected completion by mid‑July 2026 (30‑day comment period, possible 30–45 day extension).
• Completed Federal Permitting Milestones:
• Nov 2024 – Plan of Operations accepted.
• Jul 2025 – MOU executed with USFS for NEPA framework.
• Q3‑Q4 2025 – Pre‑scoping meetings completed.
• Dec 2025 – USFS confirmation of scoping start date.
• In‑Progress Reports: RESPEC is drafting a Biological Assessment Report and a Hydrological Specialist Report; drafts due mid‑Jan 2026, finalization shortly thereafter.
• Proposed Exploration Program (Federal Lands):
• Up to 17 drill holes (4 convertible to cased groundwater monitoring wells).
• Maximum hole depth ≈ 700 ft.
• Total surface disturbance ≈ 1.4 acres.
• Access via existing roads; no new road construction required.
• Completion targeted within one year, followed by full reclamation.
• Regulatory Outlook: USFS indicated the review may qualify for a categorical exclusion under 36 CFR 220.6(e)(8), with possible elevation to an Environmental Assessment if extraordinary circumstances arise.
• Project Overview – Chord: ~3,640 contiguous acres (147 unpatented lode claims + State Mineral Lease No. 27CS230448). Sandstone‑hosted uranium in Lakota and Fall River formations; located ≈ 3 mi SE of enCore Energy’s Dewey Burdock ISR project.
• Qualified Person Review: Technical content reviewed and approved by Carl D. Warren, P.E., P.G., Senior Engineer, BRS Inc., a Qualified Person under NI 43‑101.

Notable Quotes

“This confirmation from the USFS represents meaningful progress,” said Jeremy Poirier, Chief Executive Officer. “We have systematically completed each step required to reach public scoping and now have clear visibility on the path to a drill permit… we expect 2026 to be a defining year for Chord.”