Why the Okapi Resources (ASX:OKR) share price is up 36% this week

Once thought a relic of the 20th century, uranium is back in the global energy mix.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Okapi Resources Ltd (ASX: OKR) share price has soared since exiting a trading halt entered at its request last Thursday.

Okapi leapt 48% higher during yesterday's trade. Today, there looks to be some profit taking underway with Okapi Resources' share price down 6.25% in early afternoon trade, leaving it up 36% for the week.

We take a look at the ASX resource explorer's uranium announcement that's stirring investor interest.

A uranium plant worker in full protective clothing squats near a radioactive warning sign at the site of a uranium processing plant.

Image source: Getty Images

What uranium announcement did Okapi make?

The Okapi Resources share price is up 36% this week after the company reported it had acquired a portfolio of high-grade uranium projects in the United States.

The binding agreement will see it acquire 100% of the shares and options in Tallahassee Resources. The company said the newly acquired assets include "a strategic position" in the Tallahassee Creek Uranium District in the US state of Colorado, well-known for its historic uranium production.

According to a 2004 JORC Mineral Resource estimate, the Tallahassee Uranium Project is estimated to contain 26 million pounds of U3-O8 at a grade of 540 ppm U3-O8. Okapi notes there is significant exploration upside at the project.

Okapi Resources' share price also likely got a lift from its announcement that Tallahassee holds an option to acquire 100% of the high-grade Rattler Uranium Project in the US state of Utah. It said Rattler is just 85 kilometres from the only operating conventional uranium mill in the US, the White Mesa Uranium Mill.

The acquisition was backed by former executives of Black Range Minerals which had previously owned the Tallahassee Uranium Project.

Commenting on the acquisition, Okapi's executive director David Nour said:

This is a transformational opportunity for Okapi to become one of the most prominent uranium developers in the world. Through this acquisition, Okapi is perfectly placed to capitalise on the strengthening uranium market.

Nour welcomed former Black Range exploration manager Ben Vallerine who joins Okapi's Board as non-executive technical director.

Okapi noted it remains well-funded with roughly $6.3 million in cash and cash equivalents upon completion of placement. It expects to commence "high-impact work programs" in the second half of 2021.

Okapi share price snapshot

Factoring in the big lift it received this week, the Okapi Resources share price is now up 62% over the past 12 months. By comparison the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has gained 25% over that same time.

Year-to-date, the Okapi Resources share price is up 53%.

The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Resources Shares

Buy, hold, and sell ratings written on signs on a wooden pole.
Broker Notes

Up 58% in a year, are BHP shares still a good buy today?

Two leading analysts offer their outlooks for BHP’s surging shares.

Read more »

Happy young couple doing road trip in tropical city.
Resources Shares

If you invested $10,000 in BHP shares 10 years ago, here is what they would be worth today

Here is the number that might surprise you.

Read more »

Man in yellow hard hat looks through binoculars as man in white hard hat stands behind him and points.
Resources Shares

Rio Tinto shares slump 7.5% from an all-time high: Buy, sell or hold?

The shares have rallied around 65% over the past 12 months alone. Can they keep going?

Read more »

Business people standing at a mine site smiling.
Resources Shares

3 top ASX mining shares for investors right now

Pullbacks from recent highs has improved the entry points across all three.

Read more »

Cheerful businessman with a mining hat on the table sitting back with his arms behind his head while looking at his laptop's screen.
Resources Shares

Are Fortescue or Rio Tinto shares the better buy?

Both ASX mining shares can pay large dividends, but I would focus on commodity mix, copper exposure, and long-term resilience.

Read more »

a smiling picture of legendary US investment guru Warren Buffett.
Resources Shares

Would Warren Buffett buy BHP shares?

Let’s dig into whether BHP would appeal to Buffett.

Read more »

A female employee in a hard hat and overalls with high visibility stripes sits at the wheel of a large mining vehicle with mining equipment in the background.
Resources Shares

ASX 200 iron ore shares down 5%: Should you buy the dip?

The major iron ore stocks have fallen by more than 5% each over the past two days.

Read more »

A person trying to step over a crack.
Record Highs

BHP shares hit a record high this week. Is the rally about to crack?

BHP shares are cooling after a huge run this year.

Read more »