Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine (LHM) has commenced the Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) renewal process, a significant step towards resuming production.
The current ECC, which covers mining, processing, and related activities, is set to expire in August 2023.
LHM has appointed Namisun Environmental Projects and Development (Namisun) as the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner.
“As part of the renewal process, the mine’s processing plant is currently undergoing various refurbishment activities and process upgrades. These measures aim to improve process efficiency and increase throughput, ensuring a smooth transition back to production,” Werner Petrick, the contact person for Namisun, said.
Petrick added that LHM’s application for ECC renewal is underway, and any proposed changes and associated environmental impacts will be carefully assessed and incorporated into an amended Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
“Namisun will work closely with LHM and NamWater throughout the ECC renewal and amendment processes.”
“To ensure the mine’s water supply, Namibia Water Corporation Ltd (NamWater) owns and operates the Swakopmund-Langer Heinrich Water Supply Scheme. Upgrades to the existing pump stations will be implemented, enabling a greater water supply to support LHM’s renewed operations,” Petrick explained in a release.
NamWater will submit an application to amend its own ECC to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism (MEFT) following the Environmental Management Act and EIA Regulations.
Petrick emphasised that the final decision regarding the ECC renewal and amendment applications rests with MEFT: Directorate of Environmental Affairs (DEA).
“We are honoured to be part of this significant undertaking. Our team is dedicated to conducting thorough assessments and providing valuable insights to support Langer Heinrich Mine and NamWater in their efforts to comply with environmental regulations,” Petrick said.
In August last year, NamWater and LHM signed a water supply commitment agreement and a repayment agreement for the mine’s share of funds invested in the construction of a water pipeline to supply mines in the Erongo region.
Earlier this year, ASX-listed Paladin Energy stated that its Langer Heinrich uranium mine in Namibia is on track to restart operations in the first quarter of 2024, with a budget of N$2.1 billion.
According to a quarterly report in April, over 600 personnel were mobilised to the site, and by the end of the quarter, the project was approximately 40% complete.
The Langer Heinrich project has an estimated life-of-mine production of 77.4 million pounds over a 17-year mine life, with an estimated C1 cost of US$27.40 per pound.
The mine had been placed under Care and Maintenance since June 2018 due to unfavourable uranium prices.
