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Progress is tracking in line with schedule and budget Early works at Bannerman Mining Resources’ Etango Uranium Project have continued to advance, and progress is tracking in line with schedule and budget.
According to the Bannerman execution of the key 24-month bulk earthworks contract continues to advance well.
In addition, the primary crusher site has been blasted, excavated and is now finished with confirmatory dimensional checking of the excavation finalised.
“Our early works construction and long lead items programme is advancing well. The transformation of our Etango site is particularly pleasing to observe.
The contractor companies are working extremely well and to date all the construction work has been achieved either on time or ahead of schedule. More importantly, this has been achieved without any injury,” said Werner Ewald, Managing Director of Bannerman Mining Resources.
He said the electrical infrastructure is well advanced with all overhead line construction now complete and by the end of May 2025, the Etango site will be connected to the regional distributor Erongo Red.
On progress of work, the final blasting of the coarse ore stockpile tunnel was completed in February, and all blasted material excavated. In addition, over 16km of site perimeter boundary fencing was completed.
Ewald indicated that one of the most important aspects of the Etango project earthworks construction is the Heap Leach Infrastructure.
“A Heap Leaching process does not require a lot of mechanical equipment; however, it does require bulk earthworks, making this one of the most important parts of the current construction site,” said the company.
The contract drainage layer for the Etango heap leach pads is separate to the bulk earthworks contract and this contract has now been adjudicated and a letter of intent issued to the contractor. Finalisation of the contract is planned for the second quarter of 2025.
In preparation for the blasting, crushing, and placement of the drainage layer work, the heap leach pad area has progressed to an extent where the first five of ten pads are well advanced.
On the other hand, Bannerman continues to work with NamWater, NamPower and NamPort on water and electricity supply and port lease agreements that will ensure the successful operation of Etango.
Ewald said the company also remains on track for a final investment decision (FID) in 2025 with strong progress continuing to be made across key commercial, funding and technical workstreams
