Tanzania is expected to soon commence uranium mining at the Namtumbo Uranium Mining Project in Namtumbo District. This follows the near-completion of a pilot smelting facility, the Ministry of Minerals announced. This information was reported by Daily News.
The $1.2bn Uranium project is being led by Mantra Tanzania Limited. This company is a subsidiary of Uranium One Group under Russia’s state nuclear energy firm Rosatom. The Uranium project marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to add value to its mineral resources locally. The project includes a uranium processing plant. Additionally, it is expected to generate more than 4,000 direct jobs and 100,000 indirect jobs.
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Namtumbo Uranium Mining Project Factsheet
Project name: Namtumbo Uranium Mining Project. It is also known as Mkuju River Project – MRP.
Location: it is located in Namtumbo District, Ruvuma Region, Southern Tanzania.
Operator: Mantra Tanzania Limited. This is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Uranium One Inc. which is part of Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom.
Mineral: Uranium
Estimated resources: 58,500 tonnes of uranium
Cost: over $1.2 billion
Significance of the Project
According to the Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, the uranium development is in line with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to make sure that Tanzania’s minerals bring benefits to its citizens via local processing and energy generation.
Boasting reserves that are estimated at 58,500 tonnes, the Namtumbo project possesses a projected mine life of 22 years. Furthermore, it is expected to make Tanzania among the top ten uranium producers globally, as reported by Daily News.
In the month of May, President Hassan issued a directive to authorities to speed up preparations for uranium production and nuclear energy development. Samia Suluhu stated that Tanzania must give priority to its domestic energy needs before exports.
Tanzania Launches a Nuclear Programme
Furthermore, Tanzania recently launched a state-led nuclear energy programme. Energy Ministry Permanent Secretary Felchesmi Mramba stated that the government had k8cked off consultations and is working closely with international regulators.
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The renewed focus of Tanzania on uranium comes at a time when there is a global shift towards low-emission energy sources. Lastly, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has acknowledged Tanzania’s uranium development potential. Also, the World Nuclear Association has enlisted Tanzania as among countries with viable uranium resources.
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