Australian uranium development company Bannerman Energy Limited has announced that it has submitted its Mining Licence (ML) Application with the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) for the proposed Etango-8 uranium mine.
The development means the company will be expected to submit a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) for Etango-8, which it expects to be completed during the December quarter, as part of its engagement process with the Mines ministry.
Bannerman already has Environmental Clearance Certificates (ECC) for the Etango Uranium Project and linear infrastructure, which remain current and were based on an extensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and Environmental and Social Management Plan.
“We are pleased to have formally lodged our application with the MME for a Mining Licence at Etango. This is the culmination of extensive technical and economic evaluation of the Etango Project, including more recently on the fast-tracked Etango-8 development route,” said Bannerman Energy Managing Director and CEO, Brandon Munro.
“We can demonstrate a robust development case at Etango, which also delivers extensive social and economic benefits to local communities and the nation of Namibia. We now look forward to the completion of the Etango-8 DFS and working with the MME towards the granting of the Etango ML.”
The Etango Uranium Project located in the Erongo Region, is Bannerman’s flagship asset which has benefited from extensive exploration and feasibility activity over the past 15 years.
The Etango tenements possess a globally large-scale uranium mineral resource.
20Mtpa development at Etango was the subject of a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) completed in 2012 and a DFS Optimisation Study completed in 2015.
Bannerman constructed and operated a Heap Leach Demonstration Plant at Etango, which comprehensively de-risked the acid heap leach process to be utilised on the Etango ore.