Why It’s the Right Time for Standard Uranium to Drill Again in the Athabasca Basin
CEO.CA Jun 17, 2026 6:08
Summary
Standard Uranium is drilling its Davidson River flagship again for the first time since 2022, using new gravity data (rock-density mapping) to sharpen drill targets.
A $4 million raise expands the summer drill program to over 8,000 metres, and the company says Davidson River is fully funded.
CEO Jon Bey says NexGen's construction licence and PCE growth show the southwest Athabasca corridor still hosts undiscovered uranium.
Since 2023 Standard has run a project generator model — partners fund exploration to earn 75% of a project — freeing company capital for Davidson River.
The guest expects uranium's spot price to follow its long-term price higher, viewing sustained moves above $100 per pound as the retail trigger.
Jon Bey's takeaways
- Top takeaway His top message is that drilling is back underway at Davidson River as of mid-June 2026, and he argues the new gravity data, expanded 8,000+ meter program and full funding make this the right time to drill.
- He argues the southwest corner of the Athabasca Basin is the most fertile and most exciting uranium district for the next few decades, and that NexGen-style discoveries should repeat on the western side of the fold where Standard's ground sits.
- He defends the 2023 shift to a project generator model as the way to advance more of the 12-project portfolio with partner money and cash flow while concentrating Standard's own capital on Davidson River.
- On uranium prices, he says spot around $85 has been treading water for years, that the long-term price hitting $94 alongside a Cameco long-term deal is the positive signal, and that he expects spot to push past $100 and retail investors to return.
- He argues uranium is not harder to permit in Canada than other metals, pointing to the recent NexGen and Denison mine approvals as the start of more mines being built.
Sean Hillacre's takeaways
- Top takeaway Jon Bey says Sean Hillacre will join him at the project over the summer 2026 drill program, filming videos to keep investors updated on what is happening at Davidson River.