Paladin Energy’s Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM) is ramping up toward full mining capacity by the 2027 financial year, marking a major milestone in Namibia’s uranium resurgence.
These operational updates were presented at the prestigious Diggers and Dealers Mining Forum on 4 August 2025, where Paladin outlined its performance trajectory and growth outlook.
As of 30 June 2025, approximately half of the planned mining fleet capacity was operational on site, with the remaining fleet scheduled for delivery by the end of calendar year 2025.
Commissioning is expected to conclude during the second half of FY2026.
The transition from processing medium-grade ore from historical stockpiles to primary mined ore is now underway and will continue throughout FY2026.
Under a re-optimised mine plan, the processing plant is prioritising medium- and high-grade ore while lower grades are being stockpiled for future use.
Refinements to the processing plant during FY2025 delivered an average recovery rate of 87%, which Paladin expects to sustain into FY2026.
Blending strategies are under continuous assessment to further optimise performance.
The June 2025 quarter saw the highest quarterly throughput ever achieved in LHM’s crusher circuit, underscoring the momentum behind Paladin’s restart campaign.
The mine also commissioned its new Tailings Storage Facility 6, securing sufficient capacity to support sustained operations.
Key upgrades were implemented to ensure long-term utilities security.
These include NamWater infrastructure improvements and enhanced on-site water management, as well as a refurbished power supply system that has demonstrated reliable performance to date.
Langer Heinrich’s sales footprint is also expanding. In FY2025, the mine sold 2.7 million pounds of U₃O₈ to global customers, achieving an average realised price of US$65.70 per pound.
The company currently holds 13 uranium sales agreements with top-tier clients across the United States, Europe, and Asia.
As of mid-2025, Paladin has 24.1 million pounds of U₃O₈ under contract through to 2030, with 87% of LHM’s ore reserve either exposed to market-related prices or uncontracted—leaving the company well-positioned to benefit from future price increases.
A cornerstone of its marketing strategy remains the life-of-mine sales agreement with China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), one of the world’s largest uranium buyers.
With mining infrastructure expanding, processing efficiency improving, and sales contracts locked in, Paladin’s Langer Heinrich Mine is poised to solidify its role as a reliable supplier in the global nuclear fuel market.
