Construction surges at Etango
Bannerman Energy's Etango uranium project in Namibia has deployed more than 560 contract workers as early construction gathers pace. Key contracts are advancing steadily toward completion ahead of a targeted Final Investment Decision (FID), with all activities currently tracking to the overall budget and schedule.
The growing workforce, drawn from four Namibian contractors — Namibbeton, K Neumayer, Tulela Mining, and AN Construction, reflects the significant scale of activity now underway on-site. Notably, the project has recorded over 500,000 lost-time injury-free hours, extending Bannerman’s 17-year safety record.
At the heart of the build programme, the bulk earthworks contract is approximately 66.5% complete. Primary focus remains on the construction of the heap leach pad, associated ponds, and the wet plant terraces. These works are critical to establishing the physical footprint of the operation.
Concrete works under the Phase 1 and Phase 2A contracts have reached roughly 32% completion, with 5,509 cubic metres of concrete already poured across key infrastructure. This includes the primary crusher, where foundations are complete and first-level walls have been erected, as well as the stockpile tunnel and fine ore silo.
Infrastructure development is also well advanced. Installation of Phase 1 of the permanent water supply pipeline is approximately 70% complete. Foundations for the main pump station and the pipe bridge over the Swakop River are finished, while discussions with NamWater on a long-term supply agreement are progressing positively.
Bannerman has signed a definitive supply agreement with NamPower for the power side. Detailed design work is underway for the dedicated feeder bay at the Kuiseb substation, with an engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) contractor expected to be appointed in the second quarter of 2026.
At Walvis Bay, the detailed design of the acid storage and handling facility is approximately 39% complete. This facility is a critical component of the heap leach processing and logistics chain. The civil and mechanical design for the dry plant is now about 93% complete, with the structural steel designs advancing toward tender. “The Etango site is developing rapidly, and the presence of over 560 personnel shows the scale of our progress,” said Gavin Chamberlain, Managing Director of Bannerman Energy.
“We are two-thirds of the way through the 24-month bulk earthworks contract, which continues on budget and schedule. This excellence is due to the dedication of our contract partners and the Bannerman owner’s team as we head towards a targeted FID and full-scale construction launch later this year.”
