Roessing gears itself for expansion

WITH the increased demand for uranium due to the growing global nuclear power industry, Roessing Uranium is focusing on increasing its market share, working on production growth and expansion options.

The increasing demand has resulted in a 20-year high clamouring for uranium. This comes as good news for Roessing; the life of its operating mine has been extended to 2016 or beyond after uncertainty over the past few years and initial plans to close the mine 2009.After years of surveys, test work and investigations, a decision was reached in December last year on the best way to expand the mining operation.Due to a drop in uranium prices after 1990, the mine was forced to cut production due to the decline in demand.However, the situation has now turned.Working towards a development plan, Roessing’s Managing Director, Mike Leech said the mine would invest about N$750 million on mining equipment and on the refurbishment of the processing plant over the next two years.Leech said the welfare and needs of workers would remain a priority.”As we reposition ourselves and focus on increased production, it is vital that our first thought is always about safety,” he said in the company’s 2005 report to stakeholders.Last year, Roessing produced 3 711 tonnes of uranium oxide – its highest output since 1990.”The aim is to increase the mine’s production over the next two years to its full capacity of 4 000 tonnes,” said Leech.Work to prepare the extension area around the mine has begun and is scheduled for completion in July next year.Roessing has also trained its staff in line with the expansion and ‘preparing them for the future’.This comes as good news for Roessing; the life of its operating mine has been extended to 2016 or beyond after uncertainty over the past few years and initial plans to close the mine 2009.After years of surveys, test work and investigations, a decision was reached in December last year on the best way to expand the mining operation.Due to a drop in uranium prices after 1990, the mine was forced to cut production due to the decline in demand.However, the situation has now turned.Working towards a development plan, Roessing’s Managing Director, Mike Leech said the mine would invest about N$750 million on mining equipment and on the refurbishment of the processing plant over the next two years.Leech said the welfare and needs of workers would remain a priority.”As we reposition ourselves and focus on increased production, it is vital that our first thought is always about safety,” he said in the company’s 2005 report to stakeholders.Last year, Roessing produced 3 711 tonnes of uranium oxide – its highest output since 1990.”The aim is to increase the mine’s production over the next two years to its full capacity of 4 000 tonnes,” said Leech.Work to prepare the extension area around the mine has begun and is scheduled for completion in July next year.Roessing has also trained its staff in line with the expansion and ‘preparing them for the future’.