Bannerman Energy says early construction works at its Etango Uranium Project near Swakopmund are advancing on schedule and within budget, with on-site activity accelerating as the project moves closer to full construction readiness.
In an update released on Thursday, the company said its contractor workforce has grown to more than 370 personnel, reflecting a steady ramp-up of civil, mining and aggregate works. Bulk earthworks are now about 51% complete, with construction of the heap leach pads remaining the central focus of this phase.
Blasting, crushing and screening of heap leach drainage aggregate are also progressing to plan, with locally contracted material confirmed to be within specification and stockpiled for later placement. Bannerman said the work is being carried out by Tulela Mining & Construction, one of several Namibian contractors active on site.
Concrete works have also reached a key milestone. Phase 1 and Phase 2A concrete contracts were awarded to K Neumayer Civil Contractors, covering the primary crusher structure and major components of the dry plant, including the stockpile tunnel, secondary and tertiary crushing circuits, fine ore silo and associated conveyors. Foundations for both the primary crusher and the stockpile tunnel have already been poured, including a 1,200 cubic metre continuous concrete pour at the stockpile tunnel.
Long-lead equipment is now arriving on site, with the High-Pressure Grinding Rolls (HPGR) tertiary crusher successfully manufactured, transported and delivered to Etango, marking another step in de-risking the construction schedule.
Chief executive officer Gavin Chamberlain said the site is now “abuzz with activity,” crediting both contractors and Bannerman staff for maintaining momentum. He highlighted the increasing role of local contractors, saying Namibian firms have consistently delivered to international standards.
Alongside construction, infrastructure and utilities development is advancing. Phase 1 of the permanent water supply pipeline is about 16% complete, with work currently focused on pump station bases and the pipe bridge crossing the Swakop River. Bannerman said the permanent water supply agreement has been reviewed and is now with NamWater for finalisation.
On the power side, a definitive supply agreement has been concluded with NamPower, and detailed design work has begun for a dedicated feeder bay at the Kuiseb substation. An engineering, procurement and construction management consultant for these works is expected to be appointed in the first quarter of 2026.
Design and procurement activities continue in parallel. Detailed engineering is being undertaken by Wood Group, working with Bannerman’s Namibian owner’s team. Civil and mechanical design of the dry plant is now about 92% complete, while wet plant engineering has reached around 23%, with current work focused on validation test programmes and preparation for later construction phases.
Bannerman also reported a strong safety record, marking 16 years without a lost time injury in October, an achievement celebrated on site by employees and contractors.
The company said the steady progress across construction, infrastructure and design work positions Etango for the next phase of development in 2026, as it continues to advance one of Namibia’s most significant uranium projects.
