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Issues at Rössing Uranium Mine, Namibia

(last updated 8 Feb 2010)

Current Issues

U.S. concerned about trafficking of uranium mined at Rössing

The White House force to prevent nuclear and radiological materials from falling into the wrong hands, the Global Threat Reduction Initiative

(GTRI), has told Rio Tinto Rössing Uranium to sharpen its security measures following the arrest last September of three suspects, one a Namibian Defence Force (NDF) member, for possessing and allegedly wanting to deal in nearly 170 kg of uranium oxide.
The US follows Rössing Uranium, in which the government of Iran owns 15 per cent of the shares, with a keen eye. (Namibian Feb. 3, 2010)

Rössing releases Draft Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Report for Sulphur Handling facility in the port of Walvis Bay

The comment period for public participation closes on 6 December 2009.

> Download Draft Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Report, Proposed Mine Expansion project phase 2A - Sulphur Handling facility in the port of Walvis Bay

Rössing expects to produce 4,000 t uranium per year until 2023

Rio Tinto's Rössing Uranium mine in Namibia is on track to produce 4,000 tonnes of the metal this year and plans to maintain that output on average until 2023, an official said late on Wednesday (Oct. 14). (Reuters Oct. 15, 2009)

Rössing considers increasing annual uranium-oxide production further to 6,500 metric tons in 2012

Speaking at the mine last week, Rossing managing director Mike Leech said the goal of growing to 5500 tonnes of uranium by 2012, outlined four months ago, would probably be raised in the first or second quarter of next year. The open pit mine in the Namib Desert will log production of more than 4000 tonnes of uranium in 2008, its best year since 1990. It is looking to build up to the plant's design capacity of 4500 tonnes by 2012. To boost production further, Rossing is considering building the world's first commercial uranium heap leach operation, which could produce 2000 tonnes of uranium a year from 2011. Targets outlined in July had allowed for 1000 tonnes a year. ( The Australian Nov. 10, 2008)

Rössing to increase annual uranium-oxide production to 5,500 metric tons in 2012

Rio Tinto Group plans to boost output from the Rossing mine in Namibia by 38 percent and extend its life as Asian countries plan more nuclear reactors. Rio will dig a second pit and use new processing techniques to increase annual uranium-oxide production to 5,500 metric tons in 2012, from the 4,000 tons this year, Rossing Managing Director Mike Leech said today. The London-based company intends to operate the mine beyond 2021, he said. Rossing produced 3,046 tons of uranium oxide in 2007. Rio may expand existing processing plants or use so-called heap-leaching technology to boost output, Leech said in a presentation at the mine. Heap leaching uses sulfuric acid to extract metal from ore. Trials are under way and an investment decision will be made in May 2009. The first production using the process on stockpiled ore may come in the first quarter of 2011 and add as much as 1,000 tons of annual output, Leech said. (Bloomberg Nov. 6, 2008)

Rio Tinto may further extend Rössing mine life to 2030

Uranium deposits at the Roessing mine may be sufficient to allow operations until 2030. The mine's official lifespan is until 2021. "We believe the ore is there and could take us up to 2030," said Dave Gerrard, Roessing's Manager for Development Projects, at a recent press conference at Swakopmund. (The Namibian Aug. 29, 2008)

Rössing releases Final Scoping Report for Social and Environmental Assessment for Phase 2 of Mine Expansion Project; includes new acid heap leaching facility

> Download Final Scoping Report Phase 2, May 9, 2008

Rössing granted Environmental Clearance for Phase 1 of Mine Expansion Project

Namibia's Ministry of Environment and Tourism has granted the Environmental Clearance for Rössing Uranium to proceed with components of their Mine Expansion Project that were addressed in the Phase 1 assessment. These encompass the following:

A sulphuric acid manufacturing plant with associated sulphur storage on the mine, and the transport of sulphur from the Port of Walvis Bay;
A radiometric ore sorter plant; and
Mining of an ore body known as SK4.

> View Rössing release Apr. 23, 2008

Rössing releases Draft Scoping Report for Social and Environmental Assessment for Phase 2 of Mine Expansion Project; includes new acid heap leaching facility

Phase 2 assessment:

Extension of current SJ open pit mining activity
New mining activity in SK area
Increased waste rock disposal capacity
Increased tailings disposal capacity
Establishment of acid heap leaching facility
Sulphur handling in the Port of Walvis Bay

Stakeholders are invited to inspect the report and submit their comments by 30 April 2008.

> Download Draft Scoping Report Phase 2, April 10, 2008

Rössing releases Final Social and Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA) for Phase 1 and Scoping Report for Phase 2 of Mine Expansion Project

On March 18, 2008, Rössing released the Final Social and Environmental Assessment Report: Proposed Expansion Project for Rössing Uranium Mine in Namibia: Phase 1 assessment - Acid Plant, Ore Sorter, SK4 Pit. The Final SEIA report has now been submitted to the Ministry of Environment & Tourism of the Government of Namibia for consideration.
> Download Final SEIA

Rössing releases Public Information Document for the proposed sulphur handling facility in the Port of Walvis Bay

A comment period until 29 February 2008 is being provided.
> Download SEIA: Public Information Document for Rössing Uranium's Expansion Project on Bulk Sulphur Storage and Handling at the Walvis Bay Port

, Feb. 4, 2008

Rössing releases Draft Social and Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA) for Phase 1 and Scoping Report for Phase 2 of Mine Expansion Project

On Jan. 22, 2008, Rössing Uranium released the Draft Social and Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA) for Phase 1 of its Mine Expansion Project as well as the Scoping Report for the Phase 2 Assessment.
Stakeholders are invited to inspect the reports and submit their comments by 15 February 2008.
> Download Draft SEIA

Rössing releases Scoping Report for Mine Expansion Project

Rössing's Scoping Report for the Mine Expansion Project is available for inspection from Nov. 16, 2007. Stakeholders are invited to submit their comments by Dec. 14, 2007.
> Download draft Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Report for Rössing Uranium Mine's Expansion Project - Scoping Report

Rössing presents details of Mine Expansion Project

During the first phase of the expansion programme,

mining will be extended in 2008 into an area known as SK4, a small ore body adjacent to the current open pit.
In addition, a sulphuric acid plant on site with associated sulphur storage and transportation by rail between Walvis Bay and Rössing Mine will be developed in 2008.
The feasibility of establishing a radiometric ore sorter plant with associated reject rock disposal facilities is also currently being evaluated and needs to undergo an environmental assessment as part of the evaluation.

In a following phase,

the potential development of a heap leach treatment process for low grade ore,
and the development of satellite open pits in the SH and SK ore bodies next to the current open pit are being considered. Both pit developments might require the establishment of new metallurgical processing plants and potentially new waste rock and tailing disposal areas.

> Download Rössing Uranium Mine Expansion Project, Social and Environmental Impact Assessment, Public Information Document, August 2007 (251k PDF)

On August 20-22, 2007, Rössing holds three public meetings on its Mine Expansion Project.

Rössing extends mine life to 2021 and raises annual production target to 4500 t U3O8

Namibia's Rossing Uranium mine is going to ramp up output from the current 4,000 tonnes of uranium oxide to 4,500 tonnes annually and has extended mine life span from 2016 to 2021. The country's oldest uranium miner, Rossing has moved from a planned closure to significant growth. The mine had planned to shut down between 2007 and 2009 when international prices of uranium were at their lowest. Rossing produced 3,617 tonnes of U308 in 2006 and has targeted to produce 4,000 tonnes in 2007 and 4,500 tonnes per year from 2008. Some US$112 million was invested to expand Rossing Uranium's life span. (APA Aug. 21, 2007)

Rio Tinto may further extend Rössing mine life to 2021

Rio Tinto's Rössing uranium mine might extend its life span by five years, according to Rehabeam Hoveka, general manager of corporate services. "Rössing has recently identified potential for further extension to 2021 and in addition have exploration drilling programmes in two areas inside the mining area," said Hoveka. The mine produced 3617 tons of uranium oxide in 2006. (Bloomberg Feb. 19, 2007)

Rio Tinto approves extension of Rössing mine life to 2016

Rio Tinto has approved a US$ 112 million project to extend the life of the Rössing uranium mine to 2016, from 2009. It will also boost annual output to 4000 tons of uranium oxide within two years, up from about 3600 tons this year. (Business Day Dec. 15, 2005)

> Download: Sustainability Assessment for the Life Extension of Rössing Uranium - Integrated Executive Summary, Oct. 2004 (447k PDF)

Rössing plans to extend mine life by 12 years

The chairman of Rossing's board of directors, Charles Kauraisa, says the mine is to invest over 400 million dollars in the expansion of its production as a result of the reported improvement in the demand for uranium on the world market. The company plans to extend the life of the mine by 12 years. The feasibility study to determine the impact of the proposed expansion of the mine is currently under way. (RedNova Oct. 1, 2005)

Rössing first Western producer to export uranium to China

In 2005, Rössing exported 109 t U3O8 to China. (Republikein June 7, 2006).
In 2004, Rössing exported 106 t U3O8 to China. This is the first export of a Western producer to China. (Allgemeine Zeitung Windhoek July 14, 2005)

Elevated uranium concentrations detected in groundwater near Rössing mine

The Roessing mine has confirmed that unusual uranium levels have been detected in the Swakop River groundwater about 25 km from the mine, but says it poses no health risks. The groundwater is not being used as potable water, but for irrigation of a vegetable farming project. According to Roessing, a specialist radiologist had confirmed that it was safe for people to eat crops irrigated with the groundwater. Nevertheless, a drilling programme of N$100 000 (US$ 15,000) was started last week to confirm the extent of the anomaly and to determine whether it was stationary. (Namibian June 24, 2005)

Rössing mine to continue operation until at least 2009

Uranium production will continue at the Rossing mine until at least 2009 under a revised phase-one mining plan approved by the board of directors of Rossing Uranium Ltd. The decision means that the option of shutting the mine in 2007, as provided in the previous mining plan, will no longer apply. Although the previous phase-two proposal to extend Rossing's life by a further 10 years, to 2016/17, has had to be abandoned as economically unviable in prevailing economic circumstances, Rossing is currently evaluating a phase-three development, which would enable mining to be continued for a similar duration. (WNA News Briefing 17 May 2005)

Rössing mine might continue operation until 2017

Rössing has submitted to its parent company Rio Tinto an investment proposal to extend the mine life to approx. 2017. Since Rio Tinto has not accepted the proposal, Rössing is currently doing some "additional refinement" on it. (Rössing Sep. 14, 2004)

All indications are that Rössing Uranium Limited is set to extend the lifespan of its mine near Swakopmund "until about 2016". The company announced recently that a Sustainable Assessment (SA) for the life extension of the mine had been completed as part of Rössing's endeavours to extend the current operation to 2016 rather than 2007 as originally anticipated.
"Although no decision has yet been taken on the future of the mine, new opportunities to extend (it) have been identified and are now being investigated," said Managing Director Mike Leech. (Namibian Jan. 3, 2005)

Rössing uses decommissioning fund to keep mine operating

According to chairperson of the The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) Rössing branch, Erich Beukes, the company was using money from its decommissioning fund to operate the mine. "There is only enough money left until June this year."
Managing Director David Salisbury acknowledged that the company was using some of the decommissioning fund to maintain cash flow. "It is true that we are using some of that money, but we have no intention of exhausting the fund," he said. (The Namibian Jan. 28, 2004)

Note 1: The Rössing mine (and the associated uranium mill tailings pile) is the by far largest single uranium mining-related liability in the world.

Note 2: Rössing's parent company Rio Tinto is a member of the International Council on Mining & Metals - "dedicated to economic progress, environmental protection and social responsibility".

Rössing to close down by 2007

The Rossing uranium mine, is expected to close down in 2007, the mine's management announced on Dec. 17, 2003. The mine was running at a loss this year because of the current uranium price, high costs and the continued strengthening of the Rand against the US dollar. The current plans are to mine out the present pit which will be towards the end of 2007. Only a marked turnaround in Rossing's financial fortunes could lengthen the life of the mine beyond 2007. But, unless significant improvements in the mine's financial position are reached by mid-2004, the mine may need to consider closing down even earlier than 2007. The mine currently employs 820 people and about 214 contractors. (The Namibian Dec. 18, 2003)

Rössing considering early close down

Volatile economic conditions (in particular the low exchange rate for the Namibian Dollar) have forced Rössing to take a critical decision on its future. By the end of the year 2003, Rössing Uranium's board of directors will decide to either extend the mine's life well into the next decade through significant capital investment or to prepare for closure by 2010. This is a sharp turnabout from last year's confident statement by the company that the mine would be in business for the next 17 years. (Namibian March 10, 2003)

Verification study finds no excess chromosomal aberrations in Namibian uranium miners

> See extra page

Rössing to shed 200 employees

Rössing Uranium has announced to shed 200 employees of its 1220 workforce by the year 2000. Rössing is currently operating at 75% of its capacity due to the depressed uranium market.
(The Namibian

, Sept. 16, Nov. 13, 1998)

Rössing (Namibia) drops plans for dam construction and for increase of production

Rössing Uranium has dropped its controversial scheme to dam the Khan River as well as plans to increase production at its Arandis mine in Namibia. The dam was meant to recharge the Khan River aquifer from which the Rössing mine draws water for industrial use. It would have allowed Rössing to double its present potential water extraction from 0.87 million cubic meters to 1.75 million cubic meters a year.

Source: The Namibian , December 1 and 2, 1997

Compensation case of former Rössing uranium miners (Namibia)

Door slams shut on former Rossing worker

(The Namibian, Dec. 7, 1998

)

"A FORMER Rossing Uranium engineer's quest for compensation was thwarted again on Friday when London High Court Judge Michael Wright decided in a written judgement that Eddie Connelly's case was 'time-expired'.
However, Anne Carlson was allowed to proceed in a separate compensation case on behalf of her late husband as Wright dismissed Rio Tinto's attempt to shift the hearing to Windhoek. Peter Carlson died of cancer after working alongside Connelly from 1977 until the early 1980s.
Lawyers are studying the Connelly judgement and considering an appeal.
The Judge dismissed Rio Tinto's attempt to throw the Connelly case out of Court completely. If the allegations were proven, Rio Tinto would owe a "duty of care" and could be held liable if they had failed in their responsibilities, the Judge decided.
Wright also ruled against Rio Tinto's claim that any attempt to prove Connelly's cancer was caused by radioactive uranium dust, was bound to fail.
But Wright ruled that Connelly was already out of time when his current solicitor Richard Meeran issued proceedings in September 1994.
Connelly himself is prepared to fight on and told The Namibian: "It's ridiculous to say I should have quit years ago. I've got to live with the effects of cancer for the rest of my life." [...]"

> See also previous stories: (The Namibian, Nov. 2 · 17 · 18 · 19 · 20 · 20 · 23 · 24 · 25 · 26, Dec. 1

, 1998)

Cancer cases stalled

(The Namibian, May 11, 1998

)

"ROSSING Uranium's parent company in London has thrown yet another set of obstacles in the path of cancer victims and their relatives seeking compensation.
Rio Tinto has made a surprise application to block the compensation claim brought by Anne Carlson on behalf of her husband, former Rossing Uranium miner and oesophageal cancer victim Peter Carlson who died in 1995.
The company argues that any trial should take place in Namibia rather than London. Mrs Carlson lives in South Africa." [...]

Rössing faces new health claim

(The Namibian, Feb. 3, 1998

)

"ROSSING Uranium's parent company, Rio Tinto, is facing a new compensation claim related to alleged poor health and safety conditions at the mine.
Anne Carlson, the widow of former Rossing worker Peter Carlson, is suing Rio Tinto in England seeking compensation for her late husband's suffering from cancer, her lawyers announced yesterday.
Peter Carlson died of oesophageal cancer in January 1995.
Mrs Carlson's lawyer, Richard Meeran, said the claim should not come as a surprise to the multinational mining company as they had been notified of the nature of Peter Carlson's illness in December 1994, shortly before he died.
Professor Johnny Myers, Director of Occupational Health at the University of Cape Town, has linked Carlson's cancer to uranium dust exposure at Rossing according to the lawyers. Carlson was apparently a non-smoker and rarely drank alcohol which made other causes of cancer unlikely." [...]

Breakthrough! Ex-Rossing man to bring cancer case

(The Namibian, July 25, 1997

)

FORMER Rossing Uranium engineer and cancer victim, Edward Connelly, Thursday finally won his long legal battle to have the right to bring his compensation case in the British courts.
In a groundbreaking judgement, Britain's highest court, the House of Lords, said Connelly had the right to use British legal aid to continue his £400 000 (N$3 million) claim in London against the British mining multinational Rio Tinto Zinc (RTZ), which owns Rossing. [...]

More cancer claims