Swakop Uranium, the operator of the Husab uranium mine in Namibia, has been progressing with plans to develop a heap leaching plant to process lower-grade uranium ore and increase overall production. The initiative, originally reported in August 2023, has moved from planning and feasibility assessment to an operational pilot stage. Initial investments included over N$6.5 billion in site preparation, stripping, and equipment, with a N$290 million pilot plant designed to test the economic viability of processing low-grade ores.

Heap leaching is an efficient and cost-effective method. It enables the extraction of minerals that would be uneconomical to mine using traditional techniques.

The process involves creating large heaps or piles of crushed ore on a ground-level impermeable pad, often made of plastic or clay. The crushed ore is then distributed over the pad, and a weak solution of cyanide, sulfuric acid, or other appropriate chemicals is sprayed or trickled onto the ore heap.

In a recent statement, Simataa confirmed that the purpose of the heap leach pilot plant tests is to assess the economic viability of processing lower-grade uranium ore. The pilot plant tests are expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Based on the findings, additional investments will be made to expand the project into a commercial heap leach plant if deemed economically feasible.

Construction cost for the Heap Leaching Plant

Swakop Uranium’s Executive Vice President, Irvinne Simataa, disclosed that the mining company is anticipating a total expenditure of N$290 million for the construction of a pilot heap leach plant. According to him, Swakop Uranium has already made significant investments in the form of over N$6.5 billion for stripping costs related to the development of its open pit pushbacks. Additionally, the company has allocated N$81 million towards equipment acquisition and resource development projects.

He emphasized that the Investments”in the pit expansions and heap leach pilot plant are crucial for securing ore reserves for future processing and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the mine

Simataa also mentioned that Swakop Uranium anticipates that Heap Leaching Plant is supposed to Boost Uranium Production  to meet or surpass budget production guidance. The company is confident in achieving and exceeding benchmark asset reliabilities to maintain its current performance.

He emphasized that the focus lies on cost prudence, particularly in areas such as water and electricity usage, unplanned maintenance, and implementing measures to mitigate water supply challenges usually faced in the second half of the year. Additionally, successful execution of multi-million-dollar maintenance plans for both plant and mining equipment is crucial to sustaining their production performance.

According to him, achieving this performance is a remarkable accomplishment for Swakop Uranium, and their primary focus is on sustaining it for the foreseeable future to continue learning and enhancing their performance.

Swakop Uranium is a mining company registered in Namibia and is jointly owned by the Namibian government through Epangelo Mining, as well as the Chinese government through the China General Nuclear Power Corporation and the China-Africa Development Fund.

Current Status of the Project

The heap leach pilot plant became operational in July 2024 and is actively processing stockpiled low-grade ore to demonstrate the method’s feasibility. Furthermore, reports indicate the pilot’s costs reached approximately N$450 million, reflecting expanded scope or additional investments beyond initial plans. Moreover, the project has received internal recognition within Swakop Uranium’s annual awards for 2025 performance, highlighting progress and operational success. While the pilot contributes to extending mine life, improving recovery efficiency, and maintaining Husab’s production targets of 5,000–6,000 tonnes of uranium annually, no full commercial-scale heap leaching facility has been confirmed yet. The pilot continues to provide critical data for potential future expansion.

The development of the Swakop Uranium heap leach pilot mirrors regional trends in Southern African mining, where operators invest in processing infrastructure to optimize output and extend mine life. Similar to the Rio Tinto $473 million South African mineral sands project restart, these initiatives illustrate how major mining companies are committing capital to sustain production, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen local and export-oriented supply chains. Linking these developments provides insight into the strategic importance of processing innovations across the region’s resource sector.

Also read Launch of Green Hydrogen and Ammonia Development Framework in Namibia

Project Fact Sheet: Namibia Heap Leaching Plant

• Project Name: Swakop Uranium Heap Leach Pilot Plant Project
• Location: Husab Mine, Erongo Region, Namibia
• Owner/Operator: Swakop Uranium
• Purpose: Process lower-grade uranium ore and test heap leaching economic feasibility
• Original Investment (2023): N$290 million pilot plant; over N$6.5 billion in site prep and equipment
• Pilot Plant Commissioned: July 2024
• Updated Pilot Investment: N$450 million
• Operational Status: Active pilot processing low-grade stockpiles
• Expected Uranium Output Contribution: Supports Husab Mine’s 5,000–6,000 tonnes per year
• Full-Scale Expansion: No confirmed commercial plant construction yet
• Regulatory Oversight: Namibia Ministry of Mines and Energy and environmental authorities
• Strategic Importance: Extends mine life, improves recovery, informs future expansion

Project Team: Namibia Heap Leaching Plant

Ownership & Core Project Team

• Swakop Uranium (Operator / Project Sponsor) – Owner and operator of the Husab Mine; responsible for project planning, pilot execution, reporting, and feasibility assessment.
• Ministry of Mines and Energy, Namibia – Regulatory oversight and approvals for mining and processing activities.
• Namibian Environmental Authority – Environmental permit and compliance monitoring for heap leach pilot operations.

Engineering, Design & Technical Partners

• Process Engineering Consultant (Pilot Design) – Provided heap leach circuit design and process evaluation (specific contracted firm names change with tender cycles).
• Metallurgical Testing Laboratories – Independent labs contracted for pilot testing and ore characterization.

Construction & Site Implementation

• Local EPCM / Construction Support Contractors – Namibian and regional civil/structural contractors supporting pilot earthworks, pads and collection pond construction (specific contractor names typically listed in official project reporting documents).
• Plant Equipment Suppliers – Vendors for conveyance, irrigation systems, solution collection and instrumentation.

Mining & Operations

• Husab Mine Operations Team – On‑site operational team integrating pilot plant feed, stockpile management and data recording.