(Ecofin Agency) - Namibia is Africa's top producer of uranium, with three active mines. After being in care and maintenance for about six years, the Langer Heinrich mine came back online on March 30, 2024. 

Paladin Energy announced on July 22 its first uranium shipment since the Langer Heinrich mine resumed activity. The shipment of 319,229 pounds left the Walvis Bay port on July 12.

The mine had been closed since May 2018 due to low global uranium prices, but it reopened on March 30, 2024. Between then and June 30, the mine produced 517,597 pounds of uranium; an output that Paladin wants to ramp up to meet its targets for fiscal 2025.

From July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, Paladin aims to produce between 4 million and 4.5 million pounds of uranium, or up to 2,041 tonnes. 

Langer Heinrich is 75% owned by Paladin and 25% by China National Nuclear Corporation. It is Namibia's third-largest mine, after Rössing and Swakop. The latter produced 2,920 tonnes and 5,318 tonnes of uranium, respectively, in 2023.