
Langer Heinrich
Langer Heinrich Uranium (LHU) is 75% owned by Paladin Energy Australia, with CNNC Overseas Uranium Holding Limited, a subsidiary of China Nuclear Corporation, holding the remaining 25%. LHU operated an open pit uranium mine located within the Namib Naukluft National Park, 90 km east of Walvis Bay in Namibia’s Erongo Region from 2007 to 2018. Some 43 million lbs of U3O8 were produced during that time. The ore was treated with an alkaline leach and ion exchange process. The mining license area is 40 km2, of which less than 10% have been utilised, making the overall operational footprint less than 4 km2.
Langer Heinrich Uranium (LHU) is 75% owned by Paladin Energy Australia, with CNNC Overseas Uranium Holding Limited, a subsidiary of China Nuclear Corporation, holding the remaining 25%. LHU operated an open pit uranium mine located within the Namib Naukluft National Park, 90 km east of Walvis Bay in Namibia’s Erongo Region from 2007 to 2018. Some 20 000 t of U3O8 were produced during that time. The ore was treated with an alkaline leach and ion exchange process. The mining license area is 40 km2, of which less than 10% have been utilised, making the overall operational footprint less than 4 km2.
The mine was placed on care and maintenance in 2018 because of the low uranium price. However, the mine’s majority shareholder Paladin energy has developed an accelerated schedule with an optimised project execution plan for the restart of the mine, which was approved in 2022. The plan is the result of extensive work that has confirmed the Langer Heinrich Mine as a low risk, robust and long-life operation. The restart included investment of about N$ 1.5 billion, of which 39% was spend in the Erongo Region, 32% was spend in other regions in the country, bringing the total national spend to 71%. Over 1000 jobs were created during the restart project, during which over 2 million hours were worked without any serious injuries or reportable environmental incidents.
The restart scope of work focused on general repairs and refurbishment required to return the existing process plant to operational readiness; delivery of process upgrades to increase throughout capacity and operational availability. The current activities include completion of detailed engineering and design for process upgrades; purchase of project materials and equipment; and the commencement of plant refurbishment and upgrade works.
LHU returned to commercial production in 2024 and achieved the first product drumming in March 2024. LHU also secured a strong uranium offtake portfolio and has a confirmed 17-year mine life. To date, LHU boasts a workforce of 277 permanent employees, of which 98% are Namibians. Statutory and critical training for employees continues with the focus remaining on production ramp-up and building a finished product inventory, ahead of shipments to customers.
LHU is focused on Sustainable Development and considers its business in relation to Namibian society and our impact on the environment a critical part of measuring overall performance and ability to operate effectively. Mining and mineral processing can play a central role in sustainable community development and we therefore endeavour to act as a catalyst for positive social and economic change.
Through Health, Safety, Environment and Community Relations Policies we affirm that our business creates shareholder value through working safely and with due regard to the welfare of our employees and the environment; respecting attitudes and expectations of host communities; acting with integrity, honesty and cultural sensitivity; and contributing to the growth and prosperity of Namibia through responsible community development.
LHU is committed to operate within the relevant national and international legal as well as voluntary requirements. Our occupational Health and Safety Management System is based on the NOSA CMB253N standard, which aligns with OHSAS 18001; our Environmental Management System is ISO-14001:2004 accredited; our Radiation Management System is implemented in accordance with the national Namibian legislation, the International Commission on Radiological Protection and the International Atomic Energy Agency standards; our Social Performance Management System is based on ISO-26000; and our Corporate Social Investments are aligned with national socio-economic development priorities.