The first Uranium export since the resumption of operations at Kayerekera is set for export next week.
In a statement, Managing Director for Lotus Resources Limited, Greg Bittar, said the first export consignment is set to hit the road following approvals for the same.
Bittar said the mineral is to be transported from Malawi, through Zambia to Namibia, through the Port of Walvis Bay to Orano CE’s conversion facility in France.
“Securing the final piece of the suite of permitting approvals is a significant milestone for Lotus and the culmination of a considerable amount of work across three jurisdictions by our team and our partners,” Bittar said.
Lotus indicates that the first consignment, which is approximately 145,000 lbs (65,770 kgs) of uranium ore concentrate is expected to leave the Kayelekera site next week with road haulage mobilised.
He added that they are targeting their first shipment, through Walvis Bay next month.
The approvals that have necessitated the dispatch include those from the Malawian Atomic Energy Regulatory Agency, receipt of the Zambian transport licence through the Company’s logistics partner, Alistair Group, and from Namibian authorities, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, the National Radiation Protection Authority and the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy.
Kayerekera mine resumed operations in August last year after being placed on care and maintenance for 10 years.
Operations at the mine were suspended in 2014 due to a drastic drop in uranium spot prices (around $35 per pound down from $72).
By Earlene Chimoyo
