Chamwe Kaira
Mining activities at Langer Heinrich Mine continued to ramp up during the quarter ended 31 December 2025, with drilling, blasting, and load-and-haul operations focused on the G and F pits, according to Paladin Energy.
Total material mined reached 5.53 million tonnes, up from the previous quarter, resulting in higher volumes of mined ore and low-grade ore added to stockpiles.
The remaining mining fleet arrived at the port of Walvis Bay during the quarter and is scheduled for delivery to the mine by the end of January, with commissioning expected in the March quarter.
Crusher throughput reached 1.21 million tonnes at an average ore feed grade of 524 parts per million, reflecting a higher proportion of mined ore processed through the plant.
As a result, the mine recorded higher-than-expected uranium production of 1.23 million pounds of uranium oxide (U₃O₈) at an average recovery rate of 91% for the quarter.
Paladin said the ramp-up at Langer Heinrich Mine remains on track for completion by the end of the 2026 financial year, with full mining and processing operations planned for the 2027 financial year.
Based on strong production performance in the first half of the 2026 financial year and continued progress toward full operations, the company expects full-year output to trend toward the upper end of its guidance range of 4.0 to 4.4 million pounds of U₃O₈.
Commenting on the results, managing director and chief executive officer Paul Hemburrow said the quarter showed the growing strength and reliability of the company’s flagship uranium operation.
“As global interest in nuclear energy continues to strengthen, I am delighted by our progress in ramping up operations at Langer Heinrich Mine,” Hemburrow said.
“The new level of production achieved during the quarter provides insight into the robust performance that can be achieved from this strategic uranium asset.”
He stated that the company is committed to maintaining a steady operational performance throughout the remainder of the financial year, all the while enhancing its long-term production capacity.
Sales volumes for the quarter totalled 1.43 million pounds of U₃O₈ at an average realised price of US$71.8 per pound, supported by Paladin’s contract portfolio and stronger uranium prices.
The cost of production averaged US$39.7 per pound, benefiting from higher output levels.
Paladin also reported a stronger balance sheet following the completion of a share purchase plan and the restructuring of its syndicated debt facility. At the end of the quarter, the company held cash and investments worth US$278.4 million, with a further undrawn US$70 million revolving credit facility available.
Outside Namibia, the company advanced exploration activities in Canada, completing mobilisation for its winter drilling programme at the Patterson Lake South Project.
Six drill rigs were mobilised to begin resource definition drilling aimed at expanding the reserve base and supporting long-term production planning.
Hemburrow said the strengthened balance sheet and leadership team position the company to advance both its Namibian and Canadian growth plans.
“Completion of the debt restructure has provided additional balance sheet flexibility to support the continued ramp-up at LHM and progress the Patterson Lake South Project,” he said.
“As a group, we are focused on improving production volumes and ensuring the capability to deliver a multi-decade production pipeline for the market and to drive value for our shareholders.”
During the period, Paladin reported an average total recordable injury frequency rate of 2.9 per million hours worked on a 12-month basis and recorded no significant environmental or radiation incidents or breaches of environmental compliance requirements.
Caption
Paladin Energy says the mining fleet has arrived at the port of Walvis Bay and is scheduled for delivery to Langer Heinrich Mine by the end of January, with commissioning expected in the March quarter.
- Photo: Contributed
