Name and Location
Trekkopje uranium project, Namibia.
Project Description
Trekkopje is a calcrete-type surface deposit, with its main mineralisation spanning about 4 km by 16 km. It will be operated as an openpit mine and will process ore through heap leaching through alkaline channels.
The project aims to process 100 000 t/d of ore, to eventually produce 3 000 t/y of uranium. Mining will be implemented with explosive detonations, extraction with shovels and transportation by truck to the primary plant.
The mine's water requirements, of about 14-million cubic metres a year, are supported by a desalination plant with a total capacity to produce 20-million cubic metres a year of potable water. The plant produces water using screen filtration, ultra filtration, reversed osmosis and chemical treatment.
Value
The project will cost an estimated $750-million.
Duration
Trekkopje will have a lifespan of about 12 years.
Client
UraMin, a 100% subsidiary of Areva Resources.
Key Contracts and Suppliers
SRK Consulting Engineers and Scientists (feasibility study) and Keyplan (desalination plant design and construction).
Latest Developments
The desalination plant was officially launched on April 16, 2010, and is now being commissioned.
On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
Areva Resources, tel +264 061 300 638 or +264 061 300 640, fax +27 11 884 9557; or email sugnet.smit@areva.com or info@areva.com.
Keyplan, tel +27 10 205 1800, fax +27 86 683 5758 or email info@keyplan.co.za.
SRK, tel +255 22 260 1881, fax +255 22 260 1881 or email bbarber@cats-net.com.