Windhoek-Swakop Uranium produced its first drum of uranium ore concentrates (yellowcake) from its Husab mine on the evening of Friday, December 30, 2016. Capital investment in the project to date exceeds US$2 billion. Speaking at a presentation to mark the occasion, CEO Zheng Keping indicated that the Husab mine is in production, bringing new vigour and vitality to the ancient Namib desert. The first production marks a significant milestone in development of the mine, which began 10 years ago. The initial exploration and discovery took place in 2006. Following resource definition and preliminary engineering, and the acquisition of the company by CGN and CAD Fund, construction of the mine, processing plant and associated infrastructure began in 2012.
Mining operations began in 2014, removing overburden to expose the uranium-bearing ores ready for the start of processing operations. During 2016, over 100 million tonnes of material were removed. Construction of the processing plant was largely completed during Q4 2016, and commissioning commenced immediately thereafter. First production marks the successful operation of all sections of the operating chain, including the mine and all stages of the processing plant. During 2017, the plant will continue to be optimised, and throughput will progressively be ramped up towards the target production of 15 million lbs U3O8 per year. The company benefits from the strong support of CGN as its majority shareholder as well as a key customer for its output. CGN has remained steadfast in its desire to see Husab become a reality despite difficult short-term uranium market conditions, and curtailment of projects and retrenchments elsewhere.
Original URL not https but use at your own risk: www.newera.com.na/2017/01/27/first-production-achieved-from-swakop-uraniums-husab-mine/
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