CHAMWE KAIRA
The early construction programme at Bannerman Energy’s Etango Uranium Project is progressing on schedule and within budget, with major civil works nearing completion and permanent infrastructure continuing to advance.
According to the company, more than 560 contractor personnel are currently working on site, while the project has recorded more than 1.1 million lost time injury (LTI)-free hours to date.
Bannerman says the 24-month bulk earthworks contract is approximately 92% complete, with work currently focused on the freshwater pond, wet plant terraces and heap leach pad.
Production of heap leach drainage aggregate is also progressing as planned, with about 29% of the total material requirement completed.
Concrete works continue across key dry plant infrastructure areas, with the company reporting that major processing facilities are beginning to take shape.
A total of 10 800 cubic metres of concrete has been poured, representing around 60% completion of the Phase 1 and Phase 2A construction packages.
The company says engineering and procurement activities are also progressing according to schedule. Civil and mechanical design work for the dry plant is about 94% complete and remains aligned with the planned release of construction drawings.
Design work for the wet plant is also on track, with construction drawings expected to be issued later this year.
Bannerman further announced that it has signed a permanent water supply agreement with NamWater, while Phase 1 of the permanent water supply pipeline installation is approximately 87% complete.
Bannerman managing director and chief executive officer Gavin Chamberlain said the company’s key contractors continue to deliver across the Etango site, highlighting the progress made on the bulk earthworks programme.
He said the project footprint is becoming increasingly visible as early works advance, describing the progress as a significant milestone for both the company’s project team and contractors.
Chamberlain added that selected early works, including construction of the Etango gatehouse, are being undertaken by local Namibian-owned small and medium-sized enterprises.
He said the initiative is creating opportunities for local businesses while supporting Bannerman’s commitment to maximisingNamibian participation in the development of the Etango mine, noting that all contractors currently working on site are Namibian businesses.
