Langer Heinrich mine lifts uranium output
Paladin Energy says its Langer Heinrich Mine produced 1.29 million pounds of uranium oxide (U₃O₈) in the latest quarter as the operation continues to ramp up towards full-scale production.
The company said mining activities accelerated during the quarter following the delivery and commissioning of the remaining mining fleet.
Drilling, blasting and load-and-haul activities were concentrated mainly in the G Pit, with total material mined increasing by 12% from the previous quarter to 6.17 million tonnes.
Crusher throughput reached 1.21 million tonnes at an average ore feed grade of 503 parts per million uranium. This reflected the continued processing of remaining MG3 stockpiles, alongside ore from the lower benches of the G Pit.
The mine produced 1.29 million pounds of U₃O₈ during the quarter at an average recovery rate of 92%, which Paladin attributed to strong processing plant performance.
Paladin said the operational ramp-up remains on track to be completed by the end of the 2026 financial year.
The company also reported strong uranium sales and higher realised prices during the quarter.
Langer Heinrich sold 1.03 million pounds of U₃O₈ at an average realised price of US$68.30 per pound, reflecting increased volumes sold under base-escalated uranium contracts.
Paladin said realised prices vary depending on customer delivery schedules, contract pricing mechanisms, payment structures and shipment timing.
The operation recorded a production cost of US$40.30 per pound, supported in part by the continued use of remaining MG3 stockpiles.
Paladin also continued resource definition work within Mining Licence 140.
A total of 9,427 metres of drilling was completed during the quarter using six drill rigs operating within the licence area.
The company also carried out trials using high-resolution ground electromagnetic surveys to assess their effectiveness in mapping subsurface clay distribution and improving geological understanding of the orebody.
Following stronger-than-expected production so far this financial year, Paladin revised its 2026 production guidance upward on 17 April.
It increased forecast annual production from 4.0 million-4.4 million pounds of U₃O₈ to 4.5 million-4.8 million pounds.
Sales guidance remains unchanged at 3.8 million to 4.2 million pounds, while production cost guidance is unchanged at US$44 to US$48 per pound.
Paladin, however, cut its capital and exploration expenditure guidance from US$26 million-US$32 million to US$15 million-US$17 million.
The company said the revised outlook is based on current operating conditions, but cautioned that global geopolitical disruptions could still affect operations and market conditions.
Paladin expects Langer Heinrich to transition to full mining and processing operations by the end of FY2026.
