Etango financing clears hurdle
Bannerman Energy has announced that all conditions for Chinese nuclear company CNNC's investment of up to US$321.5 million (N$5.15 billion) in its Etango uranium project in Namibia had been satisfied or waived, clearing the way for the transaction to close this month.
Completion of the investment and joint venture is expected before the end of September, with the funds expected to be received at completion, Bannerman said.
The development removes a key financing hurdle for Etango, and puts the company on course to make a final investment decision shortly after the transaction closes.
What’s contained in the deal?
Under the agreement, CNNC Overseas Limited (CNOL), a subsidiary of China National Uranium Corporation, will acquire a 45% interest in Bannerman Energy (UK), the company that holds 95% of the Etango project. Bannerman will retain 55%.
The resulting economic interest in Etango will be 52.25% for Bannerman, 42.75% for CNOL and 5% for the One Economy Foundation.
The transaction is structured to allow the mine to be constructed without project debt. Bannerman and CNOL will fund future capital expenditure and operating costs according to their respective 55% and 45% interests in the joint venture.
CNOL will also buy 60% of Etango's uranium production under market-based terms, while Bannerman will independently market the remaining 40%.
Bannerman has separately launched a fully underwritten A$124 million (N$1.4 billion) share placement and share purchase plan to fund its remaining share of the Etango development costs. The shares are being offered at A$3.20 (N$37) each, according to the company's announcement.
The capital raising is significant because the CNNC transaction does not mean Bannerman's future funding obligations disappear. The two shareholders will continue to contribute capital to the joint venture in proportion to their respective interests.
What’s in it for CNNC?
The deal gives CNNC, one of the world's largest nuclear companies, a substantial position in a new uranium project while providing Bannerman with a strategic partner and a cornerstone buyer for its future production.
CNNC already has a significant presence in Namibia's uranium industry through its interests in Rössing Uranium and Langer Heinrich. Reuters reported in February that CNNC planned to acquire an effective 42.8% interest in Etango for up to about US$322 million (N$3.7 billion) as Namibia seeks to expand uranium production.
Bannerman has been developing Etango for almost two decades. The project is expected to become one of Namibia's next major uranium mines as the country seeks to expand production amid stronger global demand for nuclear fuel.
The company has already undertaken early works at the project, meaning the latest financing developments move Etango closer to a full-scale construction decision rather than representing the start of development from scratch. Bannerman's June quarterly report showed about A$69.3 million (N$801 million) had been spent on Etango early works by June 30.
Bannerman said it expects to make a final investment decision promptly after completion of the CNNC transaction.
The company had previously said it was targeting first uranium sales in 2029, with the project capable of further production expansion after reaching steady-state operations.
The company requested a trading halt this week Wednesday pending the announcement, with trading scheduled to resume on Friday unless the halt is lifted earlier.
