Nandi-Ndaitwah visits Rössing

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has 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 12 April, the newly inaugurated president declared the government’s support for the peaceful use 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 too big to be achieved. Collectively, let us start moving towards a nuclear power plant in Namibia and identify potential partnerships to realise 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 recently stated support of the new government,” he said.Pushing for More UraniumMeanwhile, Namibia’s uranium mining operations are expanding, with new exploration and production initiatives building on the average annual output of around 5,613 metric tonnes in recent years – a figure that 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. A first resource estimate for this project is expected in the second half of the year. Also in February, Rodon Metals was fully acquired by Pioneer Lithium, which has since confirmed significant uranium mineralisation at the Warmbad uranium project in the far south, as announced on the Australian Stock Exchange. Pioneer Lithium has already committed around N$20 million for further geological surveys and exploration to expand the future mine.Connected Minerals began drilling at its Swakopmund project in January, after securing the necessary licences from the government. The Australian company is also conducting exploration work at its Etango North East project.Top of the list of expected new uranium mines is Deep Yellow’s Tumas expansion, for which a final investment decision on the 79-million-pound project is expected imminently. Tumas is projected to produce 6 million pounds of uranium annually for 30 years, starting in 2026. Last year, Paladin Energy achieved record production of 1.2 million pounds of uranium at the Langer Heinrich mine and aims to set a new benchmark by June this year, targeting 3.6 million pounds of production.New players in Namibia’s uranium sector include Madison Metals and Star Minerals, which have partnered to accelerate the development of the Cobra project. Australia’s Gibb River Diamonds has secured three new licences in the Erongo district, while Hertz Energy has applied for two prospecting licences. Oar Resources has secured A$1 million (around N$12 million) in funding from shareholders to finance two additional uranium projects.— Additional reporting: Energy Capital & Power

Nandi-Ndaitwah visits Rössing

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Nandi-Ndaitwah visits Rössing

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