Uranium ore samples collected by ASX-listed Marenica Energy from the Langer Heinrich uranium mine in Namibia have been received in Perth for immediate test work.
Namibia – The aim of the test work is to confirm the substantial benefits expected from implementation of Marenica’s proprietary U-pgrade process on the ore.
In June, Marenica Energy and Paladin Energy agreed to conduct an U-pgrade amenability test work programme on low grade ore samples from Paladin’s Langer Heinrich uranium mine in Namibia.
It is expected that the test work will indicate reduced unit operating costs, a substantial benefit in their own right, and which could also enhance future production expansion opportunities at Langer Heinrich.
Marenica Energy expects the test work programme to be completed early in the December quarter 2017.
Paladin Energy owns 75% of the Langer Heinrich uranium mine. With Paladin Energy in administration the final ownership of the mine may not be known for a period of time.
Nevertheless, successful test work results of the U-pgrade application are expected to provide operating costs benefits to the mine, irrespective of the owner.
Marenica Energy MD Murray Hill says that Marenica developed U-pgrade on calcrete uranium ore and have always considered the Langer Heinrich ore to be a prime candidate for application of U-pgrade. “We are excited about the prospect of demonstrating the amenability of U-pgrade to the highest grade uranium deposit in Namibia and the only operating mine processing calcrete ore,” he said.
Source: Mining Review Africa
