Bannerman Energy says its Etango Project continues to achieve significant milestones as its processing facilities and infrastructure developments progress seamlessly.
With a strong cash position and a flexible, phased approach to construction, the company is maintaining critical timelines across all project work streams.
Following the completion of two early work contracts in July 2024, the construction of the water supply and site access road, the project has advanced into the next phase of early construction activities.
Notably, the bulk earthworks contract, awarded in August 2024, is proceeding on schedule as part of the 24-month execution timeline.
To support this progress, a construction water storage dam was completed and filled in November 2024, ensuring an uninterrupted water supply during both the early works and full-scale construction phases.
“The 12 months since the granting of our Etango Mining Licence in December 2023 has been a period of remarkable advancement, both on- and off-site. I believe the entire Bannerman team can take great pride in the safe, systematic and long-term-focused manner in which the world-class Etango Project has progressed over that time,” said Bannerman Executive Chairman Brandon Munro.
He further explained that the first blast at the primary crusher site was successfully executed on 11 November 2024, and subsequent blasts have followed, with excavation now underway as planned.
Meanwhile, the High-Pressure Grinding Rolls (HPGR) tertiary crusher, a long-lead item crucial to the process plant, has been ahead of schedule since its manufacturing began in May 2024.
Off-site infrastructure is also advancing steadily. Contracts for construction water and power requirements are in place, while discussions with NamWater and NamPower have reached advanced stages to secure operational water and power supply for the mine’s anticipated 15-year lifespan.
Bannerman recently signed a letter of intent with NamWater for desalinated water supply, and plans are in progress for a take-or-pay agreement following a positive final investment decision.
“We continue to exercise a gated approach to Etango development, with phased greenlighting of various construction works in line with advancement across broader project work streams and financial capacity. This enables us to maintain critical path timelines whilst also allowing robust management of execution and market risks,” he said.
Furthermore, the project’s acid supply will rely on local and imported sources via the Walvis Bay port, where Bannerman has secured approval for a planned storage and distribution facility.
Environmental and social impact assessments for the facility are underway.
Construction efforts are spearheaded by a seasoned team, including Project Director Jeff Pipe and Commercial Manager Cindy Fraser, with detailed design work led by Wood Plc in collaboration with Bannerman’s Namibian-based team.
Engineering progress is based on certified vendor data, ensuring seamless integration of long-lead equipment into the broader project.
“I am delighted with the performance of our key contract partners. Their work to date has been undertaken safely and to a very high standard of delivery. Their output has firmly validated our selection of them as our preferred delivery partners for Etango,” Munro said.
