Deep Yellow is building a substantial Namibian operating base ahead of the planned development of its Tumas uranium mine, with the company’s local workforce reaching 45 employees as it prepares to transition from project developer to mine operator.
The Australian-listed uranium developer’s 2026 annual report shows that 45 of its 102 employees are now based in Namibia, compared with 57 in Australia, meaning Namibia already accounts for about 44% of the group’s workforce before Tumas enters full construction.
Deep Yellow is headquartered in Perth, but its flagship development project is Tumas in Namibia, where it has also assembled a wider portfolio of uranium exploration assets.
The company is building its Namibian operation under Deep Yellow Namibia managing director Zebra Kasete, who is overseeing the local business as preparations for Tumas intensify.
Deep Yellow managing director and chief executive officer Greg Field said the company is deliberately strengthening its Namibian team ahead of mine development.
“One of the highlights of my first few months has been working alongside Zebra Kasete, our Managing Director, Namibia. Zebra is one of Namibia’s most respected mining leaders and brings enormous credibility with our workforce, government, communities and industry,” Field said.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have Zebra leading our Namibian business as we build the team that will safely deliver our flagship project.”
Deep Yellow said its organisational preparations form part of a wider transition from being an explorer and project developer into an operating mining company.
The growing Namibian presence comes as Tumas moves closer to a final investment decision, which the company expects in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to market conditions.
Bulk earthworks at the project had been completed by the end of June, while civil and concrete works started in August. Detailed engineering was 79% complete at the end of the financial year, while the project’s 3D engineering model had reached 81%.
Deep Yellow said more than 76% of major process plant equipment had been tendered, and most long-lead equipment packages had been awarded.
The company has also secured key infrastructure arrangements required to operate the mine. The company signed a power supply agreement with NamPower in December 2025, and concluded a water supply agreement with NamWater in August this year.
Deep Yellow’s growing Namibian base extends beyond the development of Tumas.
The company continues exploration at Omahola, Tinkas and S-Bend as well as the Aussinanis and Nova projects, giving its Namibian operation a pipeline of uranium prospects beyond the mine currently being prepared for development.
During the past financial year, exploration at S-Bend identified four clusters of higher-grade uranium mineralisation that Deep Yellow believes could potentially expand the Tumas mineral resource and extend the mine’s life.
Drilling at Tinkas also confirmed uranium mineralisation, with the company saying further infill drilling may be required to establish a resource.
Tumas remains the centrepiece of Deep Yellow’s Namibian business. The project has a mineral resource of 118.2 million pounds of uranium oxide and an ore reserve of 79.5 million pounds, with planned annual production of about 3.6 million pounds.
Deep Yellow said its priority remained getting the organisation ready for the transition that would follow a positive investment decision.
“Developing Tumas is about much more than engineering and construction. It is about building the right business from day one,” Field said.
