Interview with Janet Lee Sheriff, Director & CEO of Verdera Energy

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/verdera-energy-tsxvv-premium-uranium-portfolio-with-20m-to-spend-9385

Recording date: 22nd May 2026

Verdera Energy is emerging as a uranium development company focused on unlocking the potential of New Mexico, a jurisdiction that management believes could play an increasingly important role in future US uranium supply. At a time when energy security, nuclear power expansion, and artificial intelligence-driven electricity demand are becoming major investment themes, the company is positioning itself to benefit from a growing emphasis on domestic uranium production.

The foundation of the investment case is the company's substantial resource base at approximately 88 million pounds of historic and known uranium resources across multiple projects in New Mexico. The flagship West Largo project is currently undergoing modernization through an updated NI 43-101 technical report, while additional work is being completed to evaluate resource expansion opportunities and future development pathways.

A key differentiator for the company is its focus on in-situ recovery (ISR) uranium projects. ISR has become one of the preferred uranium extraction methods due to its potential for lower capital requirements and reduced environmental disturbance compared to conventional mining techniques. Management believes West Largo represents one of the most attractive ISR opportunities in the United States and could become a significant asset as domestic uranium demand grows.

Beyond its resource base, Verdera possesses a potentially valuable strategic asset in the form of historical geological information. According to management, the company controls more than 90% of the proprietary uranium exploration data available in New Mexico. This extensive database, accumulated from previous operators including Kerr-McGee and URI, may help reduce exploration risk, improve targeting efficiency, and accelerate project advancement.

The broader opportunity extends beyond individual projects. Management believes New Mexico remains an underappreciated uranium jurisdiction despite hosting substantial uranium resources and important nuclear-related infrastructure. As the United States seeks to reduce dependence on imported uranium and strengthen domestic supply chains, jurisdictions capable of supporting large-scale uranium production may receive increasing attention from investors, industry participants, and policymakers.

Another important aspect of Verdera's strategy is its emphasis on community engagement and social licence. The company recognizes that historical uranium mining activities created concerns among local communities and Indigenous groups. CEO Janet Lee Sheriff brings approximately three decades of experience working with Indigenous communities in Canada's Yukon and is applying a similar relationship-based approach in New Mexico. Through educational initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and industry conferences, management is seeking to build trust and support for future development activities.

Looking ahead, investors should monitor several potential catalysts. These include updated resource estimates, technical studies, permitting milestones, drilling programs, infrastructure planning, and potential strategic partnerships. The company is also evaluating opportunities involving central processing facilities and possible joint ventures that could support future project development.

As nuclear energy continues to gain support as a reliable, low-carbon power source and as electricity demand rises from emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, domestic uranium production is becoming increasingly important. With a large resource base, significant proprietary data holdings, experienced leadership, and exposure to a strategic uranium jurisdiction, Verdera Energy offers investors a way to participate in the evolving US uranium development story.

View Verdera Energy's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/verdera-energy