Paladin Energy begins commercial production at Langer Heinrich mine
Paladin Energy has kicked off commercial production at the Langer Heinrich mine in Namibia. With the start of production, the Western Australia-based miner will now concentrate on ramping up operations and building an inventory of finished products.
Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM)
The Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM) is a large open pit mine located in the western part of Namibia in the Erongo Region. Langer Heinrich represents one of the largest uranium reserves in Namibia having estimated reserves of 57,000 tonnes of ore grading 0.055% uranium.
Paladin Energy acquired I the mine in August 2002 and production began in 2007. However, due to declining uranium prices, production ceased in November 2016 and the mine was placed under care and maintenance in May 2018.
Initially, the mine had a production capacity of 2.7 million pounds of uranium oxide per year. This capacity was expanded to 3.7 million pounds in 2009 and 5.2 million pounds in 2012. As part of the transition to production, the company’s chief operating officer, Paul Hemburrow, will take on responsibility for all activities at the mine.
Rising uranium prices in the last 10 months have prompted several mining companies to reopen mines or resume activities at stalled projects. The increased demand is not only due to favorable prices but also because of governments seeking nuclear power solutions to meet emissions targets. The International Atomic Energy Agency predicts that global demand for uranium will surpass 100,000 tonnes per year by 2040, more than double the current worldwide production.
