Namibia boosts uranium output

NAMIBIA, one of the largest exporters of non-fuel minerals in Africa, is positioning itself to be the topmost producer of uranium in the world in the coming weeks.

The country is rated as among the six biggest producers (placed between fourth and six) globally but its position is set to improve when full production at its latest mine resumes.

The Husab Mine, also known as the Husab Uranium Project, is under development near Swakopmund in the Erongo region of western-central Namibia. It is considered the third-largest uranium-only deposit in the world.

“In a few weeks, we will improve our position globally from fourth,” said Tjekero Tweya, Namibia’s Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

He was speaking in Cape Town at the just-ended ICT Africa 2017.

“If the latest uranium mine starts production, we will take the third position and possibly second-biggest uranium producer in the world.”

The mine is set to produce up to 6 800 tons of uranium a year. Output will be gradually increased to reach the installed capacity of 50 million tons of ore a year. Tweya said technology would be key in Namibia’s uranium targets. Namibia produces 10% of the world’s uranium, with annual production at over 3 654 tons.

Rossing, also located in Erongo, is the sixth-largest uranium producing mine and one of the oldest in the world. – CAJ News