Under the first contract, AMEC Minproc has commenced work for Paladin Energy on the definitive feasibility study for the major Stage 4 expansion of the flagship uranium operation, Langer Heinrich. The study is targeting an overall expanded annual production of 10 Mlb and AMEC is designing and costing the main processing plant out of its Perth office, Australia. The study is expected to be complete by the end of 2011. AMEC Minproc was first involved with the Langer Heinrich project in 2004 when it carried out the definitive feasibility study and subsequently the EPCM contract for Paladin Resources. Under the second contract, AMEC Minproc will conduct a definitive feasibility study for Bannerman Resources’ Etango uranium project, also in Namibia. The Etango project is one of the world’s largest undeveloped uranium deposits, boasting a total resource of 212 Mlb of uranium oxide (U3O8). The study will focus on the development of a 5-7 Mlb/y U3O8 open-pit mining operation.

AMEC Minproc President, Malcolm Brown, said: “AMEC Minproc is delighted to be engaged in two prominent uranium projects in southern Africa. Uranium is a key commodity for AMEC Minproc and the nuclear industry. These contract awards give recognition to the wealth of experience held by our process engineers and project managers in the extraction of this high-demand resource.”