CHAMWE KAIRA
The ramp-up of operations at the Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM) continued with operational gains embedded during the quarter ended 31 December 2024, Paladin Energy has announced.
Following the successful completion of improvement works during the November planned plant shutdown, December 2024 recorded the highest monthly production volumes since the restart of commercial production at the LHM in March 2024.
“Notable achievements from the planned shutdown included a significant improvement in recovery rates and the stabilisation of water supply to the plant.
As of 31 December 2024, the company held US$166 million in unrestricted cash and short-term investments, along with undrawn debt facilities of US$50 million (US$100 million in debt drawn).
Paladin ceo Ian Purdy said, “It was pleasing to see benefits from the planned plant shutdown and other operational initiatives positively impact production from the LHM. We continue to de-risk the operation but recognise the mine is still ramping up to full production and patience is required as our local team steadily achieves their goals.”
Production for the quarter was in line with management expectations and the Langer Heinrich Mine remains on track to meet the revised production guidance of 3 to 3.6 million pounds of uranium oxide for the 2025 financial year.
Paladin said following the successful completion of a number of improvement works during the planned plant shutdown in November, 308 604 pounds of uranium oxide were produced during December, which was the highest monthly production volume since the restart of commercial production at the Langer Heinrich in March 2024.
Notably, Langer Heinrich has experienced significant improvements in recovery rates and the stabilisation of water supply to the plant following the shutdown.
Paladin reported that they completed the shutdown on schedule, incorporating several plant improvements and routine maintenance activities.
The company said water deliveries from NamWater improved significantly following the shutdown.
Post shutdown, water flows achieved the highest sustained rates since the mine restart, with no water-related disruptions to operations during December, the company said.
The shutdown also allowed the operation to increase water levels at its water storage facilities, which is expected to provide a buffer to better manage the water balance at the Langer Heinrich mine plant.
