GLE Achieves TRL-6 for SILEX Uranium Enrichment Technology: Background

From https://mailchi.mp/f668cec13418/announcement-slx-zs-si-project-prototype-plant-start-up-10688465?e=55b341af40 and longer version https://clients3.weblink.com.au/pdf/SLX/03012191.pdf

"GLE Achieves TRL-6 for the SILEX Laser Uranium Enrichment Technology 
23 October 2025

Silex Systems Limited (Silex or the Company) (ASX: SLX; OTCQX: SILXY) is pleased to announce the conclusion of an independent, third-party validation of the SILEX laser-based uranium enrichment technology conducted by a leading Fortune 1000 technology provider in the national defence and global infrastructure markets. The independent review confirms that Global Laser Enrichment (GLE), the exclusive licensee of the SILEX uranium enrichment technology, has achieved TRL-6 [Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL-6), as defined by US DOE Technology Readiness Assessment Guide (G 413.3-4A) see below at Background by Pete], following the completion of its large-scale enrichment demonstration program and endorses GLE’s plans to proceed to detailed design with confidence. 

GLE is the first company in the world to have demonstrated large-scale, third-generation laser based enrichment technology under relevant operational conditions, that is, at TRL-6. The determination of the achievement of TRL-6 by the independent assessor follows an extensive testing program within GLE’s fully integrated Test Loop enrichment facility in Wilmington, NC over six months. 

Michael Goldsworthy, Silex’s CEO/Managing Director said: “We are thrilled to receive the independent assessment and validation that the SILEX laser based uranium enrichment technology has achieved TRL-6, marking a major de-risking milestone in the commercialisation program for the SILEX technology. We are immensely proud of GLE, the only company in the world to have demonstrated large-scale, third generation laser-based enrichment technology at TRL-6 status. 

We thank the GLE and Silex teams, and our joint venture partner Cameco, for the significant efforts that have gone into achieving this seminal milestone. At a personal level, I am incredibly proud of what the Silex and GLE teams have achieved and look forward to continuing our efforts toward commercial deployment.” 

With TRL-6 validation in hand, GLE will now turn its attention to full-scale detailed design and disciplined deployment of the Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility (PLEF) in Paducah, Kentucky. Activities over the next year include a focus on preliminary deployment activities, including manufacturing readiness (MRL) [MRL is Manufacturing Readiness Level (see US DOD Guide at dodmrl.com/MRL_Definitions_2010.pdf)] and establishing a US domestic manufacturing base and supply chain to support deployment of the SILEX technology for US domestic enrichment capacity.

GLE’s commercialisation program is backed by over US$550 million in privately funded engineering, design, manufacturing, and licensing activities across North Carolina and Kentucky. GLE’s planned PLEF in Kentucky, is the only new enrichment facility currently under licence application review by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The PLEF, if commissioned, is expected to re-enrich over 200,000 metric tonnes of high-assay depleted uranium tails acquired from the US Department of Energy and produce up to 6 million separative work units (SWU) of LEU annually, delivering a unique single-site solution for domestic US production of uranium, conversion and enrichment. 

Subject to various factors, including industry and government support, a feasibility assessment for the PLEF, and supportive market conditions, the SILEX uranium enrichment technology could become a major contributor to nuclear fuel production for the world’s current and future nuclear reactor fleet, through the production of uranium in several different forms, including natural grade uranium as UF6, low enriched uranium (LEU) and LEU+, and high-assay LEU (HALEU) for next-generation advanced reactors, including small modular reactors. 

Authorised for release by the Silex Board of Directors. 

Further information on the Company’s activities can be found on the Silex website: www.silex.com.au or by contacting: 

Michael Goldsworthy
CEO/Managing Director
T +61 2 9704 8888
E investor.relations@silex.com.au

[and]

Julie Russell
CFO/Company Secretary
T +61 2 9704 8888 
E investor.relations@silex.com.au "

Silex Systems Limited | ABN 69 003 372 067
LHSTC, New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights NSW 2234
Telephone: +61 2 9704 8888 | Facsimile: +61 2 9704 8851 | Website: www.silex.com.au"

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Background by Pete

In general Wiki explains "Technology readiness levels (TRLs) are a method for estimating the maturity of technologies during the acquisition phase of a program. TRLs enable consistent and uniform discussions of technical maturity across different types of technology.^[1] TRL is determined during a technology readiness assessment (TRA) that examines program concepts, technology requirements, and demonstrated technology capabilities. TRLs are based on a scale from 1 to 9 with 9 being the most mature technology.^[1] 

TRL was developed at NASA during the 1970s. The US Department of Defense has used the scale for procurement since the early 2000s. By 2008 the scale was also in use at the European Space Agency (ESA).^[2] The European Commission advised EU-funded research and innovation projects to adopt the scale in 2010.^[1]"

Definitions

TRL	NASA usage[4]	European Union[5]
1	Basic principles observed and reported	Basic principles observed
2	Technology concept and/or application formulated	Technology concept formulated
3	Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof-of concept	Experimental proof of concept
4	Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment	Technology validated in lab
5	Component and/or breadboard validation in relevant environment	Technology validated in relevant environment (industrially relevant environment in the case of key enabling technologies)
6	System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment (ground or space)	Technology demonstrated in relevant environment (industrially relevant environment in the case of key enabling technologies)
7	System prototype demonstration in a space environment	System prototype demonstration in operational environment
8	Actual system completed and "flight qualified" through test and demonstration (ground or space)	System complete and qualified
9	Actual system "flight proven" through successful mission operations	Actual system proven in operational environment (competitive manufacturing in the case of key enabling technologies; or in space)

More specifically you can find the meaning of:

Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL-6), as defined by US DOE Technology Readiness Assessment Guide (G 413.3-4A) see DOE G 413.3-4A Technology Readiness Assessment Guide, Posted by the Environmental Protection Agency on Mar 20, 2024 by clicking HERE then Download File then Ctrl+F for TRL 6 mentions.