Early works construction at Bannerman Energy Ltd’s Etango Uranium Project is progressing steadily, with activities tracking to budget and schedule as on-site development continues to gather pace, the company said.
Bannerman reported that the site contractor workforce has been progressively increased to more than 370 personnel, reflecting the ramp-up of early construction activities.
Bulk earthworks are advancing well and are now about 51% complete, with the main focus on the construction of heap leach pads. The company said blasting, crushing and screening of heap leach drainage aggregate are progressing on schedule and meeting specification requirements.
“The Etango site is now truly abuzz with activity. Across the board, our early works construction and long-lead activities are progressing safely and to schedule. This is a direct result of the dedication of both our contract partners and Bannerman personnel,” Chief Executive Officer Gavin Chamberlain said.
Bannerman said Phase 1 and Phase 2A concrete contracts have been awarded and commenced, with foundations for both the primary crusher and the stockpile tunnel already poured. The high-pressure grinding rolls tertiary crusher has also been successfully manufactured, transported and delivered to site.
In parallel, detailed design and procurement activities continue to advance. The company said the detailed model review for the dry plant has been completed, with civil and mechanical design now about 92% complete. Wet plant design work is currently focused on validation test programmes, with detailed engineering progress estimated at around 23%.
“We are continuing to award key contracts to local Namibian contractors, who have proven their ability to deliver to world-class standards,” Chamberlain said.
Progress has also been recorded on long-term infrastructure and utilities, with Phase 1 of the permanent water supply pipeline installation now about 16% complete.
Chamberlain said recent milestones had demonstrated the capability of the project team, pointing to the successful pouring of the stockpile tunnel base.
“A particular highlight for the project team in recent weeks was the pouring of the stockpile tunnel base, which involved a 1,200m³ continuous concrete pour completed seamlessly,” he said.
Bannerman said early works at Etango remain focused on establishing critical infrastructure and positioning the project for subsequent construction phases, while maintaining a strong emphasis on safety, schedule discipline and local contractor participation.
