Erongo Governor Neville Andre has described 2023 as a successful year for the uranium mining and exploration sector, which spent N$7.7 billion on local procurement.

Andre revealed in his State of the Region Address that the great performance in the uranium sector means expansion of existing projects, re-opening of mines, and development of new projects.

Rossing Uranium's revenue, he says, increased to N$6.5 billion compared to N$4.9 billion the year before.

The governor added that the Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine has returned to commercial production.

"The Mined Restart Project represents an investment of more than N$1.5 billion, of which 39% was spent in the Erongo Region. 1,000 jobs were created during the restart process. The Trekkopje Mine remained under care and maintenance in 2023. The Orano Group is monitoring the markets to consider preparation for full-scale operations."

Five uranium exploration companies have had a successful year, according to Andre, who says Bannerman Mining conducted a feasibility study for N$5.7 billion.

The uranium sector contributed nearly N$53 million towards corporate social responsibility projects, while N$1.4 billion was spent on water and electricity.