South Africa Advances High-Purity Low-Enriched Uranium Cooperation as Quantum Leap Energy Partners with Necsa to Build Facility

On October 19, 2026, Quantum Leap Energy, a subsidiary of U.S. advanced isotope technology company ASP Isotopes, and South Africa's state-owned nuclear energy company (Necsa) formally signed a binding letter of intent to establish a joint venture at the Pelindaba site in South Africa to jointly develop, finance, build and operate a test bench and commercial facility for high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU).

It is understood that in the joint venture, Quantum Leap Energy will hold approximately 80% equity and be responsible for overall operations and fundraising, while Necsa will hold approximately 20% equity and provide site access, nuclear safety and regulatory support. The two parties also plan to sign an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) agreement, making full use of Necsa's existing strong engineering and nuclear technology capabilities.

In terms of the technology pathway, the proprietary isotope enrichment technology for which Quantum Leap Energy holds exclusive global rights covers aerodynamic separation processes and quantum laser isotope enrichment technology. The project has been approved by South Africa's Department of Electricity and Energy, and infrastructure renovation of the original test bench facility at Pelindaba is currently underway. Meanwhile, the HALEU produced has secured a commercial offtake through a supply agreement with TerraPower.

Necsa Chief Executive Officer Loyiso Tyabashe noted that the cooperation will create a trusted new commercial source of HALEU supply, providing critical fuel support for next-generation advanced nuclear reactors.