Husab Uranium Mine
The world's second-largest uranium mine, powering the global nuclear energy supply from Namibia's Erongo Region.
Husab is a large-scale open-pit uranium mine located in the Namib Desert near Arandis, Namibia. It is operated by Swakop Uranium, a subsidiary of China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN), which holds a 90% stake with the Namibian government entity Epangelo Mining holding 10%. The mine commenced production in 2016 and has ramped up to become the world's second-largest uranium-producing mine. It produced approximately 3,400 tonnes of uranium oxide (U3O8) in 2023.
- 01Produce approximately 5,000 tonnes of uranium oxide per year at full capacity
- 02Supply uranium feedstock to CGN's nuclear power plants and global markets
- 03Operate a world-class open-pit uranium mine in an arid desert environment
- 04Minimize water consumption through recycling and desalination supply
- 05Contribute to Namibia's position as a leading global uranium producer
- 06Ensure responsible radiation management and environmental stewardship
2012 · completed
CGN Acquisition
China General Nuclear Power Corporation acquired the Husab project from Extract Resources.
2014 · completed
Construction Phase
Full-scale mine and processing plant construction proceeded with over 6,000 construction workers on-site.
2016 · completed
First Uranium Production
Husab produced its first drum of uranium oxide concentrate in December 2016.
2019 · completed
Production Ramp-Up
The mine ramped up towards its design capacity of 15 million pounds of U3O8 per year.
2023 · completed
Major Producer
Husab produced approximately 3,400 tonnes of U3O8, making it the world's second-largest uranium mine.
2025 · in progress
Capacity Optimization
Ongoing optimization to reach nameplate capacity as global uranium demand increases.
Mineral Resource
Uranium Ore Resource
Measured and indicated resource of approximately 280,000 tonnes of uranium oxide across the Husab deposit.
Processing Plant
Processing Plant
A 15 Mtpa acid leach processing plant with solvent extraction and ion exchange uranium recovery circuits.
Water Infrastructure
Desalination Water Supply
Fresh water supplied via a dedicated pipeline from a desalination plant near Swakopmund.
Mining Infrastructure
Open Pit Mine
Large-scale open-pit operation in the granite-hosted alaskite uranium deposit.
- Large-scale open-pit mining with truck-and-shovel fleets
- Acid leach uranium extraction process
- Solvent extraction and yellowcake precipitation
- Ion exchange uranium recovery
- Desalinated seawater supply via pipeline from Swakopmund
- Radiological monitoring and tailings management systems
What it means for the community
Husab employs approximately 2,000 permanent workers, with over 95% being Namibian nationals, making it one of the largest employers in the Erongo Region. The mine has invested substantially in skills training, local procurement, and community development in the towns of Arandis and Swakopmund. It contributes significantly to Namibia's export earnings and tax revenue, reinforcing the country's position as the world's third-largest uranium producer.
- Swakop Uranium (CGN 90%, Epangelo Mining 10%)
More in Ground
- EthiopiaTulu Kapi Gold ProjectEthiopia's first large-scale commercial gold mine — unlocking the country's mineral potential.
- Democratic Republic of CongoKamoa-Kakula Copper MineThe world's fastest-growing major copper mine, reshaping the DRC's mining landscape.
- Democratic Republic of CongoKibali Gold MineAfrica's largest gold mine, producing over 700,000 ounces annually from the heart of the DRC.