Proposed Z20 mining to extend Rössing operations
Rössing Uranium has announced plans to develop its Z20 mineral resource following a recent screening study. The Z20 resource, located within the Rössing formation, is geologically similar to the ore currently mined in the main open pit, making it a promising target for future mining operations.
Environmental assessment firm Namisun Environmental Projects & Development issued a public notice this week, inviting comments and questions ahead of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the Z20 project. “Based on the outcomes of a recent environmental screening study and engagements with Zhonghe and Swakop Uranium, Rössing proposes to develop the Z20 resource as a satellite open-pit mining operation on mining licence (ML) 28, with a comminution plant for crushing and grinding ore, along with associated infrastructure and waste rock dumps, on the adjacent ML177 area,” Namisun said.
Significance
In its 2023 annual report, Rössing noted that developing new mineral resources like Z20 could extend the mine’s operational life beyond its planned 2036 closure.
“Following the approval of a life-of-mine extension and amid rising yellowcake (uranium oxide) prices, Rössing’s long-term strategy focuses on identifying economic pathways to increase production from new ore sources and extend operations beyond 2036,” the company said.
With the main SJ Pit nearly depleted, Rössing aims to develop a new open-pit operation within ML28 before 2030 to supplement SJ Pit production and boost output.
Exploration work
A 2024 Global Times report highlighted that drilling over 30 000 metres at Z20 this year will support a feasibility study for developing over 50 000 tonnes of resources, laying the foundation for extending Rössing’s mine life by 20 years.
As early as 2012, projections for the Z20 resource, located south of the Khan River from the current open-pit mine, underscored its potential to significantly increase Rössing’s productivity.
The Namibian reported at the time that developing Z20 could require 20 megawatts more of Namibia’s electricity, double the mine’s annual water requirement from 4 million to 8 million cubic metres, and increase acid plant capacity from 1 200 to 2 000 tonnes per day. These resource demands, now under review as part of the EIA, highlight the project’s potential environmental and infrastructural impacts.
Environmental assessment firm Namisun Environmental Projects & Development issued a public notice this week, inviting comments and questions ahead of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the Z20 project. “Based on the outcomes of a recent environmental screening study and engagements with Zhonghe and Swakop Uranium, Rössing proposes to develop the Z20 resource as a satellite open-pit mining operation on mining licence (ML) 28, with a comminution plant for crushing and grinding ore, along with associated infrastructure and waste rock dumps, on the adjacent ML177 area,” Namisun said.
Significance
In its 2023 annual report, Rössing noted that developing new mineral resources like Z20 could extend the mine’s operational life beyond its planned 2036 closure.
“Following the approval of a life-of-mine extension and amid rising yellowcake (uranium oxide) prices, Rössing’s long-term strategy focuses on identifying economic pathways to increase production from new ore sources and extend operations beyond 2036,” the company said.
With the main SJ Pit nearly depleted, Rössing aims to develop a new open-pit operation within ML28 before 2030 to supplement SJ Pit production and boost output.
Exploration work
A 2024 Global Times report highlighted that drilling over 30 000 metres at Z20 this year will support a feasibility study for developing over 50 000 tonnes of resources, laying the foundation for extending Rössing’s mine life by 20 years.
As early as 2012, projections for the Z20 resource, located south of the Khan River from the current open-pit mine, underscored its potential to significantly increase Rössing’s productivity.
The Namibian reported at the time that developing Z20 could require 20 megawatts more of Namibia’s electricity, double the mine’s annual water requirement from 4 million to 8 million cubic metres, and increase acid plant capacity from 1 200 to 2 000 tonnes per day. These resource demands, now under review as part of the EIA, highlight the project’s potential environmental and infrastructural impacts.
