The Langer Heinrich uranium mine in Namibia is facing production challenges despite rising uranium prices.
In the September quarter, the mine produced 1 million pounds of uranium oxide (U₃O₈), down from 1.23 million pounds in the previous quarter. The average realised selling price increased by 12.5%, from US.6 to US.4 per pound, helping to mitigate the impact of lower sales volumes.
Production Decline at Langer Heinrich Mine
The Langer Heinrich mine’s production dropped by 19% due to a planned maintenance shutdown and lower processing recoveries. Production costs also rose by about 19%, increasing from US.60 to US.60 per pound. Uranium sales fell from 1.35 million to 1.16 million pounds, but higher prices limited the decline in estimated sales value to US.2 million, from US.3 million to US.1 million.
The processing plant treated 1.17 million tonnes of ore during the quarter, slightly down from 1.19 million tonnes in the previous quarter. The average uranium feed grade remained stable at 486 parts per million, but the recovery rate fell from 90% to 85%, indicating a smaller proportion of uranium was extracted from the ore.
Future Production Expectations
Paladin, which owns 75% of the Langer Heinrich mine, maintained its production guidance of 5.1 million to 5.6 million pounds for the financial year ending in June 2027. The company expects output to increase as mining progresses into higher-grade sections of the J Pit. Improved processing performance was reported in September as mining advanced, with expectations for production to rise in the second half of FY2027.
Next Steps for Langer Heinrich Mine
- Continue mining in the J Pit to access higher-grade ore.
- Maintain production guidance of 5.1 million to 5.6 million pounds for FY2027.
- Monitor processing recoveries as mining transitions to lower southern benches.
The Langer Heinrich mine is poised for recovery as it targets higher-grade uranium ore.
