Nandi-Ndaitwah wants nuclear power developed locally
Said uranium should be for peaceful purposes
Upon visiting the Rössing Uranium Mine over the weekend, the president said she wants a nuclear power plant in Namibia
PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah publicly called for the development of a domestic nuclear power plant to support the country’s growing demand for clean, reliable energy.During her visit to Rössing Uranium Mine on Saturday, the President declared the government’s support for peaceful uses of uranium, including nuclear power generation, as part of a broader mixed energy policy.
“Our uranium should be used for peaceful purposes to power Namibia, to develop our nation and the globe,” she stated.
“There is no dream which is too big to be achieved. Collectively, let us start moving towards the nuclear power plant in Namibia and identify potential partnerships to achieve this goal.” Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia requires a dependable mix of energy sources to support economic growth and reduce poverty.
With three world-class uranium mines already in operation in Namibia and up to three more developments expected in the next five years, the country could soon become the world’s second-largest uranium producer. Chairperson of the Rössing Uranium board of directors Steve Galloway noted the global implications of this growth trajectory.
“Namibia is indeed poised to assume second place globally in uranium production, behind Kazakhstan and ahead of Canada,” he said. “The concomitant exploration, production and value-added innovations will surely follow.” Galloway welcomed the new administration’s endorsement of nuclear technology, calling it an opportunity to maximise the country’s natural advantage. “Namibia’s quest for nuclear technology, including nuclear energy, will surely materialise with the recent stated support of the new government,” he said.
PUSHING FOR MORE URANIUM
Meanwhile, Namibia’s uranium mining operations are expanding with new exploration and production initiatives to build on the average production of around 5 613 metric tons over recent years, which has cemented the country’s position as the world’s third largest uranium producer. Earlier this year, Canada’s Snow Lake Resources launched the second phase of the Engo Valley drilling project, near Opuwo on the Skeleton Coast, in February. A first resource estimate for this project is expected in the second half of this year. Also in February, Rodon Metals was fully acquired by Pioneer Lithium, and Pioneer just confirmed significant uranium mineralization at the Warmbad uranium project in the deep south on the Australian Stock Exchange last Thursday (10 April). Pioneer Lithium has already committed around N$20 million for more geological surveys and exploration, to further expand the future mine. Connected Minerals began drilling at its Swakopmund project in January, after the Australian company secured the necessary licenses from the government. Connected is also conducting exploration work at its Etango North East project.
Top of the list of expected new uranium mines, however, is Deep Yellow’s Tumas expansion, for which a final investment decision for the 79-million pound project is expected any day. Tumas is expected to produce 6 million pounds of uranium each year for 30 years, starting in 2026. Last year, Paladin Energy achieved record production of 1.2 million pounds of uranium production at the Langer Heinrich mine, and aims to set a new record by June this year with 3.6 million pounds of production. New players in Namibia’s uranium mining include Madison Metals and Star Minerals, which have teamed up to accelerate the development of the Cobra project. Australia’s Gibb River Diamonds has secured three new licenses in the Erongo district, while Hertz Energy has applied for two prospecting licenses. Oar Resources has secured A$1 million (about N$12 million) in funding from shareholders to finance two more uranium projects.