Bannerman Energy says bulk earthworks at its Etango Uranium Project have reached 66.5% completion, with the development remaining on track in terms of both budget and schedule.
According to the company’s March update, construction activity is currently focused on the heap leach pad and associated ponds, while work has also progressed across the wet plant terraces.
A key component of the processing infrastructure, the blasting, crushing and screening of heap leach drainage aggregate, is advancing as planned, with 24% of the required material already stockpiled.
“The bulk earthworks continue to progress in line with schedule and are now approximately 66.5% complete. Work remains focused on the heap leach pad and ponds, with activities now also advancing across the wet plant terraces. The blasting, crushing and screening of heap leach drainage aggregate is advancing to schedule, with drainage material being stockpiled for later placement on the heap leach pad,” the company said.
Concrete works are also progressing steadily, with more than 5,500 cubic metres poured across the site to date. Phase one of the primary crusher structure is well advanced, with foundations and first-level walls completed.
Phase 2A, covering dry plant infrastructure such as the stockpile tunnel and fine ore silo, has reached 32% completion, with wall construction underway.
The installation of the permanent water supply pipeline is ahead of schedule, with the first phase 70% complete.
Foundations for the Swakop River pipe bridge and the main pump station have been completed, marking progress in securing the site’s water infrastructure.
Earthworks and excavations for the booster pump station terraces and pipeline have also commenced and are progressing in line with schedule.
On the technical side, Bannerman Energy has completed model reviews for the dry plant, with outcomes being implemented to support upcoming construction tenders and strengthen the project’s engineering framework.
“These areas include the stockpile tunnel, secondary and tertiary crushing and screening facilities, and the fine ore silo. The stockpile tunnel foundation is complete, with wall construction now underway. Wall bases for the crushing and screening facilities and silo have also been finalised,” the company said.
The project currently employs more than 560 contractor personnel from four local Namibian firms. The company said safety remains a priority, supported by ongoing campaigns and monthly recognition programmes across the workforce.
