Rossing update

Rossing Uranium, along with the rest of the industry, has been undergoing major changes to adjust to the increasingly competitive uranium market in the 1990's. This paper will outline the developments during the 1990's at the mine, as well as current projects. Rossing has successfully managed the transition through a phase of very low production in the first half of the 1990's, and is now operating at 70% of capacity. During this phase the mine was also able to implement tailings and water management strategies which have reduced fresh water requirements to historical lows, whilst preserving process performance despite cessation of iron oxide supplies. Capital investment in mining equipment, a pre-screening facility in the Fine Crushing plant, and currently an ore sorting pilot plant have been made to enhance Rossing's ability to lower costs further. Rossing is in the middle of a business improvement programme aimed at cutting unit costs in excess of 20%, whilst continuing to improve safety, health and environmental performance. Key focus areas of this programme are maintenance strategy, equipment and plant utilisation and people development. (author)