n ECC is our legally binding commitment
to the Namibian Government that
we adhere to the Environmental Impact
Assessments (EIAs) regulations for the Etango
Uranium Project, which includes relevant public
and stakeholder consultation. Each ECC is
valid for three years after which it needs to be
renewed.
Since 2012 Bannerman Mining Resources
Namibia has conducted a number of EIAs
relating to the Etango Uranium Project. The
main EIA dealt with the activities of the Etango
Mine, while various other EIAs were carried out
for Linear Infrastructure Project, Demonstration
(Pilot) Plant, Grid Power Supply, New Water
Pipeline and Temporary Water Pipeline over the
years.
The Directorate of Environmental Affairs of the
Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism
(DEA:MEFT) reviewed and approved these EIAs
and issued the related ECCs.
According to Gavin Chamberlain, CEO of
Bannerman Energy, “through regular positive
results in our bi-annual audits we have
removed any uncertainty with regards to
ongoing renewals of ECCs”.
Alexandra Speiser (below), Director at
A. Speiser Environmental Consultants,
who has conducted the various EIAs says:
“During the three-year period of the ECCs,
bi-annual audits are carried out, assessing
the implementation and adherence of the
environmental and social commitments
and mitigation measures stated in the
Environmental Management Plans (EMPs)
that are compiled as part of the EIAs.
“In addition, significant changes to any
project for which the ECC was granted,
might trigger the need for an amendment
application to ensure that all ‘new’ activities
and potential impacts are properly
addressed.”
ith over 200 years’ experience in
construction and project management,
the bulk earthworks construction management
team on the Etango Uranium Project, easily
qualifies as “heavy-weight”.
A strong team from Wood, the Engineering,
Procurement, and Construction Management
(EPCM) consultants on the project, has moved
on site and is already living up to its values of
being proactive, reliable and respectful.
The site team was put together by Wood to
ensure the successful delivery of the bulk
earthworks portion of the works.
By the end of November 2024, they had
completed the bulk earthworks contractors’
PROGRESS IN SIGHT WITH TEAM ONSITE
Project update
Construction update
camp and the additional contractors’ laydown
area was taking shape nicely. Crucial areas such
as the roads have been started and the water
storage dam is being filled. Blasting for the
primary crusher (see article alongside) was done
and it is close to 40% complete.
The team has also started excavating the
stockpile tunnel.
BANNERMAN ENERGY | DEC 2024
Roads being constructed on site and
compacted.
The bulk earthworks construction
contractors’ camp is now complete.
An aerial view of the progress on site.
(Background image) The first water storage pond
on site has been lined and filled.
(1) Thomas Winnaar – Wood Construction Manager
A civil engineer and project manager with 45 years
of experience in construction and engineering, with
a particular focus on uranium mine construction in
Namibia.
(2) Darryll Fraser – Wood HSE Manager
Over 19 years’ experience in Health & Safety
Management on construction projects in mining,
covering the full life cycle of projects from inception of
construction, to commissioning and plant handover.
(3) Borris Albertse – Wood Civil Supervisor
A civil engineer and project manager with 45 years of
experience in construction and engineering, with a
particular focus on uranium mine construction in
Namibia.
(4) Horst Schommarz – Wood Civil Supervisor
A civil engineer with 16 years’ experience in civil
construction. He was previously Divisional Manager for
maintenance of the Namibian National Road Network.
(5) Tracey Schultz – Wood Project Administration
With 15 years’ experience in operations and corporate
finance, 10 years of which were in the mining industry,
she works closely with the construction manager and
project.
MEET THE BULK EARTHWORKS
CONSTRUCTION TEAM
ANOTHER ECC
RENEWAL ACHIEVED
We have another Environmental Clearance
Certificate (ECC) renewal in the bag.
The next environmental step
Cooperative Bulk Handling Terminal (Pty) Ltd (CBHT),
Cooperative Bulk Handling Terminal (Pty) Ltd (CBHT),
part of the Bannerman Energy group of companies, has
part of the Bannerman Energy group of companies, has
appointed A. Speiser Environmental Consultants to conduct
appointed A. Speiser Environmental Consultants to conduct
the EIA for the construction and operation of the sulphuric
the EIA for the construction and operation of the sulphuric
acid storage and handling facilities at the port of Walvis Bay
acid storage and handling facilities at the port of Walvis Bay
and the transport of sulphuric acid to the Etango Mine.
and the transport of sulphuric acid to the Etango Mine.