Energy Resources of Australia Ltd. (ERA), one of the nation’s largest uranium producers, has reported a 36% increase in production during the three months to September.
“ ERA produced 544 tonnes of uranium oxide in the September 2018 quarter compared to 400 tonnes in the June 2018 quarter. Higher volumes of ore milled and increased ore grade contributed to production in the September 2018 quarter exceeding the June 2018 quarter ,” they stated.
During the September 2018 quarter, progressive rehabilitation of the Ranger Project Area continued.
This included continued operation of water treatment, the transfer of tailings from the Tailings Storage Facility to Pit 3 and the backfill of waste material into Pit 1.
On 9 October 2018, ERA approved expenditure of $32 million to expand dredging capacity in order to complete rehabilitation activities within the regulatory timeframe. This additional dredging and tailings infrastructure will be commissioned in quarter 2, 2019 and support the existing transfer of tailings from the Tailings Storage Facility to Pit 3.
According to an official announcement, this additional cost will be recorded in the 31 December 2018 rehabilitation provision.
The Ranger Project Area closure feasibility study continued during the quarter and is expected to be completed in late quarter 4, 2018.