enCore Energy reports that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has finished the technical review and public notice process for the Upper Spring Creek Production Area Authorization (PAA‑1) and expects to issue a final authorization by 13 November 2026.

The company submitted the PAA‑1 application on 27 May 2025, completed administrative review on 21 October 2025, and underwent seven technical revision cycles before the TCEQ released a draft permit on 28 August 2026 and a final draft on 23 September 2026.

Public comments were accepted until 19 October, with a grace period for qualifying comments postmarked by 24 October, after which the final authorization signature becomes the next regulatory milestone.

Even if the PAA‑1 is approved by the expected date, the project still requires separate approval for its waste‑disposal well, which is in final testing and under TCEQ review.

The TCEQ regulatory summary indicates the Upper Spring Creek site is designed to support up to one million pounds of yellowcake production annually, though this figure reflects potential capacity rather than guaranteed output.

Construction of the satellite ion‑exchange plant and the first production wellfield is complete, shifting the focus from building to obtaining the remaining operating permits.

enCore also notes that two additional production areas at its Alta Mesa ISR project are under review, with projected authorizations for PAA‑3 Extension by year‑end 2026 and PAA‑8 in early 2027, though these dates remain company forecasts.