CNUC's acquisition of Rössing mine solidifies vision of BRI
China Nuclear Uranium Co., Ltd., also known as CNUC and a subsidiary of the China National Nuclear Corporation and one of the leading international suppliers of natural uranium as well as a domestic provider of specialized uranium products, is making great strides in promoting high-quality sustainable development of the Rössing Uranium Mine in the African nation of Namibia.
A key element of the process is international capacity cooperation on uranium resources under the Belt and Road Initiative.
For more than six decades, CNUC has concentrated on core businesses related to the exploration, development and supply of natural uranium. It has established a complete and efficient model of the entire natural uranium industrial chain, including research, exploration, development, design and engineering applications.
CNUC is also a supplier of products, technologies and services, and an engineering contractor in such fields as geological exploration, polymetallic mineral resource exploration, comprehensive utilization of radioactive co-associated mineral resources, mine ecological restoration and environmental governance.
As one of the world's primary suppliers of natural uranium, Namibia plays a key role in global nuclear energy development and CNUC attaches great importance to its mining investments and overseas layout there. In 2019 the company acquired the Rössing operation, one of the world's oldest and largest open-pit uranium mines. Since being commissioned in 1976, it has continuously increased production capacity and now ranks fourth globally, providing fuel assurance to nuclear power customers in North America, Asia and Europe.
Since the acquisition, CNUC has focused on cross-cultural integration and adapted governance systems according to local conditions while achieving a smooth project handover and steady improvement in management.
The Rössing mine's production tasks for 2020-22 exceeded targets. In 2021, it achieved its highest production of natural uranium in 11 years, meeting the needs of 14 nuclear power plants, each with a capacity of 1 million kilowatts, and earned multiple safety awards from the Chamber of Mines of Namibia.
CNUC also supports the mine by implementing social responsibility initiatives and contributing to Namibia's industrial development, economic growth and the livelihood of its citizens. The company adheres to local operation and procurement protocols and has provided more than 2,000 jobs while benefiting thousands of upstream and downstream suppliers. In addition, it has well used the locally-established and noted public welfare platform — Rössing Fund — and strengthened cooperation with the local government and non-profit organizations. It has actively improved the quality of public facilities and enhanced public welfare. It invested more than 95 million Namibian dollars ($5.06 million) in public welfare from 2019-22 and launched activities on education, poverty alleviation, healthcare, skills training and environmental protection. It has implemented several youth entrepreneurship support projects and promoted locally social and economic development.
The company has also collaborated with various sectors to combat COVID-19, donating oxygen stations, protective clothing and other materials with a total value exceeding 6 million Namibian dollars.
CNUC is bolstering sustainable growth of the Rössing mine by combining resource development with cutting-edge technologies. The fourth-phase development and construction of the mine is now in full swing for a smooth transition from its existing mining beds.
The Rössing mine upgraded and transformed mining and processing technology, studied and applied heap leaching techniques, and collaboratively developed with surrounding uranium resources projects, such as Langer Heinrich, where CNUC holds 25 percent of stocks, and Happy Valley, where the company holds 58 percent of stocks. A large scale has thus been formed. By the end of 2030, the Rössing mine's annual production of natural uranium is to reach 4,500 tons of U3O8.
CNUC has fully exploited the scientific study advantages of its engineering technology research and development center in Namibia and conducted extensive studies on the Rössing mine and surrounding uranium resources. It continued to expand resources and increase reserves on the basis that thick and large orebodies were discovered in 2022-23.
Looking into the future, CNUC will hold the concept of human community with a shared future and actively implement global development initiatives. It will gain a foothold in Namibia and develop the Rössing mine into a model for Sino-Namibian cooperation under the BRI, and further expand Namibia's natural uranium industry.
It will advance uranium and other resources development in southern Africa, and drive the diversified development of China and Africa in such fields as nuclear power, nuclear technology applications and new energy. It will continuously enhance comprehensively economic, political and social benefits, realize harmonious development of the company and local society and contribute to promoting African growth.
wangjinhui@chinadaily.com.cn
