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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 10, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kiplin Metals Inc. (TSX-V: KIP) ("Kiplin" or the "Company") is delighted to announce the upcoming launch of its summer geophysical program at the Cluff Lake Road (CLR) uranium project situated in northwestern Saskatchewan, scheduled for June 2023. The Company's geological team is set to receive the necessary permit by the end of May and aims to mobilize on-site by June. The CLR property lies in a region with strong prospects for uranium deposits. Kiplin's summer program will include at least 8 line-kilometres of Induced Polarization (IP) resistivity geophysical surveying, running approximately in an east-west orientation. The program's objective is to generate fresh targets for subsequent drilling and to better delineate the uranium mineralization at the CLR project. "We are excited to start our exploration program on the CLR uranium project," said Peter Born, Director of Kiplin. "The region has shown great potential for uranium deposits, and we believe that our summer program will identify new targets for follow-up drilling, adding value for our shareholders." The Company's CLR property is surrounded by F3 Uranium Corp.'s prominent Paterson Lake North (PLN) project, which recently revealed the discovery of the JR high-grade uranium zone in November 2022. F3 announced intersections in drill hole PLN22-038, comprising 11.0 meters averaging 4.20 percent triuranium octoxide, including a 4.5-meter interval averaging 9.8 percent U3O8. This indicates the presence of the latest basement-hosted uranium deposit in Athabasca, akin to Fission Uranium Corp.'s Triple R uranium deposit. Kiplin will conduct its exploration activities adhering to the highest environmental management standards and maintain close cooperation with local stakeholders, including indigenous communities. The Company will initiate dialogue and consultations with indigenous partners and stakeholders, continuing throughout the permitting, exploration, and closure stages. The Company will provide updates on the scheduling of its permitting and work program as and when they are available. The Company advises that discoveries and observations on nearby properties do not necessarily imply the existence of similar mineralization or geological features on the Company's properties. The Company will release updates regarding its permitting and work program schedules as information becomes available. Kiplin emphasizes that findings and observations on neighbouring properties do not necessarily indicate the presence of comparable mineralization or geological characteristics on the Company's properties. Dr. Peter Born, PGeo, is the designated qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and is responsible for and has approved the technical information contained in this release. About Kiplin Metals Inc. Kiplin Metals Inc. is a mineral exploration company that aims to generate value for its shareholders by identifying and pursuing highly prospective mineral exploration opportunities. Our strategy involves advancing projects from discovery to production through a vertically integrated approach, ensuring exceptional shareholder value is delivered across the entire mining process life-cycle. Cluff Lake Road Uranium Project. Kiplin Metals has the right to earn a one-hundred percent interest in the Cluff Lake Road Uranium Project (the “CLR Project”). The CLR Project covers ~531 ha in the southwestern Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan, where several new discoveries have been made, including the Arrow and Triple R Uranium deposits. The CLR Project is 5 km east of the Cluff Lake Road (Hwy 955), which leads to the historic Cluff Lake Mine, which historically produced approximately 62,000,000 lbs of yellowcake uranium. For further information, contact the Company at info@kiplinmetals.com, or visit the Company’s website at www.kiplinmetals.com. On behalf of the Board, Kiplin Metals Inc. For further information, contact the Company at 604-622-1199. On behalf of the Board of Directors, “Peter Born” Director Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws. Contact Data CONTACT: MRKT360 INC https://mrkt360.com Alex Zertuche alexz@mrkt360.com For E.S.T Office Hours, Call 1 416-477-0587 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7aefb29d-d090-4246-b59f-d3bc29e55a16
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bedford Metals Corp. (TSX-V: BFM, FWB: O8D, ISIN: CA0762301012) (the “Company” or “Bedford”) announces that it has accelerated its due diligence on the Sheppard Lake Uranium Project in light of recent activities in the area. The recent takeover offer by Paladin Energy Ltd. for Fission Uranium Corp. has underscored the increasing mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity in the Athabasca Basin, reinforcing Bedford’s belief that the uranium industry in Canada is poised for significant expansion as nuclear energy is likely to play a pivotal role in the clean energy transformation. The proposed acquisition by Paladin Energy, as reported by CarbonCredits.com on June 26, 2024, highlights the growing strategic importance of uranium in the global energy landscape. The article, titled "Paladin Energy Offers C$1.14 B to Canada’s Fission Uranium. What does it mean for Uranium Mining?" by Saptakee S, notes: “Australian uranium mining giant Paladin Energy Ltd. has announced a C$1.14 billion ($833 million) all-stock offer to acquire Canadian mining firm Fission Uranium Corp. Using uranium in nuclear power significantly contributes to achieving climate goals by providing reliable energy that reduces the global carbon footprint. Thus, this deal can bring a paradigm shift in uranium mining.” Peter Born, President of Bedford, commented, “The increased M&A activity in the Athabasca Basin, exemplified by Paladin’s offer for Fission Uranium, is a strong signal of the market’s recognition of uranium’s critical role in the transition to green energy. This reinforces our belief that the Sheppard Lake project and our Ubiquity Lake and Close Lake projects are strategically valuable and warrant accelerated due diligence and exploration efforts.” The Sheppard Lake Uranium Project, located just south of the Athabasca Basin, is of particular interest to Bedford. The project’s strategic location and the promising results from recent surveys at the neighbouring Ubiquity Lake have strengthened the company’s confidence in its potential. Identifying key uranium markers, such as anomalous helium and methane emissions at Ubiquity Lake, provides a robust foundation for targeted exploration. Bedford remains committed to conducting all exploration activities to the highest environmental standards. The Company is dedicated to minimizing its environmental footprint and ensuring that all operations are sustainable and responsible. Additionally, Bedford values its relationships with local communities and indigenous groups and is committed to working collaboratively to ensure that its activities bring positive benefits to these stakeholders. As the demand for clean energy solutions continues to grow, Bedford is poised to play a significant role in the global transition towards sustainable resource development. The Company will continue to leverage innovative techniques and ramp up its exploration efforts to maximize the value of its uranium projects and contribute to the world’s green energy future. Dr. Peter Born, P.Geo., is the designated qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and the president of the Company and is responsible for and has approved the technical information contained in this release. About Bedford Metals Corp. Bedford Metals Corp. (TSX-V: BFM, FWB: O8D, ISIN: CA0762301012) is a mineral exploration company. We create value for our shareholders by identifying and developing highly prospective mineral exploration opportunities. Our strategy is to advance our projects from discovery to production. The Ubiquity Lake Uranium Project, covering 1382 hectares, lies just south of the bottom lip of the Athabasca Basin, adjacent to ALX Uranium’s Carpenter Lake Project to the east. Situated near the Cable Bay Shear Zone, parallel to the Virgin River Shear Zone, which hosts Cameco’s Centennial uranium deposit, the project holds immense potential. Furthermore, it is located 100 km west of Cameco’s past-producing Key Lake uranium mine, underscoring the strategic significance of its location. The Close Lake Uranium Project lies on the eastern side of the Athabasca Basin, adjoining claims held by Cameco Corporation, the largest uranium producer in the world. The project is approximately 245 hectares and lies within the primary exploration corridor, which hosts the Keys Lake Mine, the Cigar Lake Mine and the McArthur River Mine. Access to the property is done through a network of roads and trails. For further information, please contact the Company at info@bedfordmetals.com or 604-622-1199 or visit the Company’s website at www.bedfordmetals.com. On behalf of the Board, Bedford Metals Corp. “Peter Born”President Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws. CONTACT: MRKT360 INC https://mrkt360.com Alex Zertuche alexz@mrkt360.com For E.S.T Office Hours, Call 1 416-477-0587 Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0d7531a8-ddf0-4ac0-9548-dacd7dc3d160 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/290fe4a9-1cee-4944-beb2-6e067557333f
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bedford Metals Corp. (TSX-V: BFM, FWB: O8D, ISIN: CA0762301012) (the “Company” or “Bedford”) is pleased to announce the deployment of its field crew to the Ubiquity Lake Uranium Project in Northern Saskatchewan. Prospecting will be focused on mapping historic showings, as well as high-value target zones identified through historic prospecting and geophysical programs. As part of the survey, the entire claim block will be surveyed with state-of-the-art RS100 scintillometers to establish a baseline and to investigate radioactive target zones. Specifically, the Company will be targeting UL2014, where a 2014 prospecting and grab rock sampling program yielded values of 187 ppm U and 449 ppm Th from pegmatitic quartz-rich zones in a granite gneiss outcrop, and 678 ppm U and 679 ppm Th from a quartz-rich pegmatitic granitic gneiss boulder. In addition, the field crew will prospect Target Zones 1 and 2 (T1 and T2), high-priority anomalies identified through an interpretation of geophysical datasets by Condor Consulting of Lakewood, Colorado. Peter Born, President of Bedford, commented, “We are excited to commence our 2024 inaugural prospecting program at Ubiquity Lake. The historic data combined with our recent geophysical interpretations suggest significant potential for uranium mineralization. With the necessary permits now in hand, our field team is eager to validate these targets and advance our understanding of the project's geology.” Background: The principal target zones at the Ubiquity Lake Uranium Project are northwest-trending subsurface conductive anomalies identified through a 2014 VTEM survey completed by Noka Resources Inc. and Alpha Exploration Inc. Additionally, the Company will be exploring conductive anomalies identified through a 2007 GEOTEM survey completed by Stikine Gold Corporation. A ground survey conducted in 2014 yielded numerous radioactive samples, with readings up to 2000 cps. In 2014, a helicopter-borne EM and magnetic survey carried out by Aeroquest and Condor Consulting Inc. identified 13 target zones needing follow-up exploration in the field. The target model is structurally controlled conductive graphitic zones within the basement rocks that could potentially host uranium deposits. The predicted depth to the basement is less than 50 m, which was consistently achieved throughout the survey area. The Company will be investigating areas with electromagnetic-magnetic targets and areas with anomalous uranium in surface outcrops. Given the project’s proximity to the southern lip of the Athabasca Basin, the Company is pursuing an exploration model similar to Fission’s Patterson Lake South Deposit and NexGen’s Arrow Deposit, which are shear-hosted basement deposits with continuity at depth. Bedford remains committed to conducting all exploration activities with a focus on environmental responsibility. The Company prioritizes minimizing its environmental footprint and ensuring that all operations are sustainable and responsible. Additionally, Bedford values its relationships with local communities and indigenous groups and is committed to working collaboratively with these stakeholders to ensure that its activities bring positive benefits to the region. Dr. Peter Born, P.Geo., is the designated qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and the President of the Company and is responsible for and has approved the technical information contained in this release. About Bedford Metals Corp. Bedford Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration company. We create value for our shareholders by identifying and developing highly prospective mineral exploration opportunities. Our strategy is to advance our projects from discovery to production. The Close Lake Uranium Project lies on the eastern side of the Athabasca Basin, adjoining claims held by Cameco Corporation, the largest uranium producer in the world. The claim is approximately 245 hectares and lies within the primary exploration corridor, which hosts the Keys Lake Mine, the Cigar Lake Mine and the McArthur River Mine. Access to the property is done through a network of roads and trails. The Ubiquity Lake Uranium Project, covering 1382 hectares, lies just south of the bottom lip of the Athabasca Basin, adjacent to ALX Uranium’s Carpenter Lake Project to the east. Situated near the Cable Bay Shear Zone, parallel to the Virgin River Shear Zone, which hosts Cameco’s Centennial uranium deposit, the project holds immense potential. Furthermore, it is located 100 km west of Cameco’s past-producing Key Lake uranium mine, underscoring the strategic significance of its location. The Sheppard Lake Uranium Project, covers an area of approximately 2250 hectares and adjoins the Ubiquity Lake Project to the southeast. The project area is characterized by rocks of the Mudjatik domain, where uranium mineralization is typically basement-hosted, situated within shears or faults, and formed through hydrothermal redistributions of dissolved metals and subsequent redox reactions. For further information, please contact the Company at info@bedfordmetals.com or 604-622-1199 or visit the Company’s website at www.bedfordmetals.com. On behalf of the Board, Bedford Metals Corp. “Peter Born”President Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws. CONTACT: MRKT360 INChttps://mrkt360.comAlex Zertuchealexz@mrkt360.comFor E.S.T Office Hours, Call 1 416-477-0587 Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/73cb2e1e-e447-4824-8901-83dc7242ca47 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3887113b-80fe-4cc1-b552-54d2eec5a553
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bedford Metals Corp. (TSX-V: BFM, FWB: O8D, ISIN: CA0762301012) (the “Company” or “Bedford”) is pleased to announce that following completion of a diligence review, it has entered into a definitive option agreement (the “Option Agreement”), dated July 8, 2024, with an arms-length vendor, pursuant to which it has been granted the right to acquire the Sheppard Lake Uranium Project, subject to a net smelter returns royalty. The Sheppard Lake Uranium Project covers an area of approximately 2250 hectares and adjoins Bedford’s Ubiquity Lake Project to the southeast. With this transaction, the Company now has under option over 3600 hectares of prospective ground located just south of the Athabasca Basin's lip. The project area is characterized by rocks of the Mudjatik domain, where uranium mineralization is typically basement-hosted, situated within shears or faults, and formed through hydrothermal redistributions of dissolved metals and subsequent redox reactions. The main target at Sheppard Lake is a ~4km, northwest-trending EM conductor, which extends onto the Ubiquity Lake block and forms part of a larger array of near-surface conductive anomalies. This EM anomaly, which intersects the Cable Bay Shear Zone, has been observed in several airborne surveys, including a notable 2007 Aeromagnetic and Electromagnetic survey conducted by Fugro for Stikine Gold Corporation. Subsurface EM conductors lying within magnetic lows are highly desirable exploration targets for uranium in northern Saskatchewan, as many significant uranium discoveries in and around the Athabasca Basin have originated from such targets. Peter Born, President of Bedford, commented, “I want to thank our dedicated team for their hard work in completing diligence over the past several months. The Sheppard Lake project expands the size and scope of the existing Ubiquity Lake Project, providing us with a further strategic advantage in this highly prospective region.” With the addition of the Sheppard Lake Uranium Project, Bedford will review its exploration plans for the summer to incorporate this additional property. The expanded project area will allow for a more comprehensive exploration program aimed at identifying and developing high-potential uranium targets. For further information regarding the Sheppard Lake Uranium Project, and the terms by which the Company can acquire the Project, readers are encouraged to review the news release issued by the Company on March 7, 2024. No finders' fees or commissions are payable by the Company in connection with the entering into of the Option Agreement, nor does the Option Agreement contemplate that any securities of the Company will be issued. Bedford is committed to conducting all exploration activities to the highest environmental standards. The Company is dedicated to minimizing its environmental footprint and ensuring that all operations are sustainable and responsible. Additionally, Bedford values its relationships with local communities and indigenous groups and is committed to working collaboratively to ensure that its activities bring positive benefits to these stakeholders. Dr. Peter Born, P.Geo., is the designated qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and the president of the Company and is responsible for and has approved the technical information contained in this release. About Bedford Metals Corp. Bedford Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration company. We create value for our shareholders by identifying and developing highly prospective mineral exploration opportunities. Our strategy is to advance our projects from discovery to production. The Ubiquity Lake Uranium Project, covering 1382 hectares, lies just south of the bottom lip of the Athabasca Basin, adjacent to ALX Uranium’s Carpenter Lake Project to the east. Situated near the Cable Bay Shear Zone, parallel to the Virgin River Shear Zone, which hosts Cameco’s Centennial uranium deposit, the project holds immense potential. Furthermore, it is located 100 km west of Cameco’s past-producing Key Lake uranium mine, underscoring the strategic significance of its location. The Close Lake Uranium Project lies on the eastern side of the Athabasca Basin, adjoining claims held by Cameco Corporation, the largest uranium producer in the world. The claim is approximately 245 hectares and lies within the primary exploration corridor, which hosts the Keys Lake Mine, the Cigar Lake Mine and the McArthur River Mine. Access to the property is done through a network of roads and trails. The Sheppard Lake Uranium Project, covers an area of approximately 2250 hectares and adjoins the Ubiquity Lake Project to the southeast. The project area is characterized by rocks of the Mudjatik domain, where uranium mineralization is typically basement-hosted, situated within shears or faults, and formed through hydrothermal redistributions of dissolved metals and subsequent redox reactions. For further information, please contact the Company at info@bedfordmetals.com or 604-622-1199 or visit the Company’s website at www.bedfordmetals.com. On behalf of the Board, Bedford Metals Corp. “Peter Born”President Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws. CONTACT: MRKT360 INC https://mrkt360.com Alex Zertuche alexz@mrkt360.com For E.S.T Office Hours, Call 1 416-477-0587 Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0d7531a8-ddf0-4ac0-9548-dacd7dc3d160https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/670117fd-5604-429a-ba17-3427ef931659
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bedford Metals Corp. (TSX-V: BFM) (the “Company” or “Bedford”) announce that it has applied for the exploration permit for its upcoming summer exploration program at the Ubiquity Lake Uranium Project, located in the prolific Athabasca region of Canada – renowned for hosting some of the highest-grade uranium mines in the world. The summer exploration program represents a significant step forward in the advancement of the Ubiquity Lake Uranium Project. Extensive planning and preparation have gone into designing this program, intending to maximize the potential of this highly prospective property. The timing of the exploration program is particularly opportune, given the recent increase in the price of uranium over the past year and the global shift toward cleaner and greener energy sources. Bedford Metals recognizes the importance of uranium in meeting the growing demand for clean energy, and the Ubiquity Lake project is poised to play a vital role in this transition. Peter Born, President of Bedford, commented, "We are pleased to take this next step in the development of our Ubiquity Lake Uranium Project. The application for the exploration permit represents the culmination of careful planning and diligent work by our team. We believe that the timing of this exploration program aligns perfectly with the increasing demand for uranium and the world's focus on sustainable energy solutions." Bedford is committed to conducting environmentally sound exploration practices and to respectfully and collaboratively engaging with local communities and indigenous groups. Environmental stewardship is a core value of the Company, and it will continue to prioritize responsible resource development throughout all stages of its projects. The Company remains focused on increasing shareholder value through strategic exploration and development initiatives. The Ubiquity Lake Uranium Project represents a significant opportunity for Bedford to deliver value to its shareholders and contribute to the global transition toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. The Company also wished to announce it had formally engaged Jemini1 Finance Inc. d/b/a Jemini Capital to act as the investor relations representative for the Company and to manage shareholder communication effective June 1, 2024. The Company wishes to thank the team at Jemini Capital for all of their support during the engagement process. Jemini Capital has been engaged on an ongoing basis for a minimum period of three months, during which time they are entitled to receive $5,000 per month. The Company is at arms-length from Jemini Capital, and compensation to Jemini Capital does not include any securities of the Company. About Bedford Metals Corp.Bedford Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration company. We create value for our shareholders by identifying and developing highly prospective mineral exploration opportunities. Our strategy is to advance our projects from discovery to production. Ubiquity Lake Uranium Project, covering 1382 hectares, lies just south of the bottom lip of the Athabasca Basin, adjacent to ALX Uranium’s Carpenter Lake Project to the east. Situated near the Cable Bay Shear Zone, parallel to the Virgin River Shear Zone, which hosts Cameco’s Centennial uranium deposit, the project holds immense potential. Furthermore, it is located 100 km west of Cameco’s past-producing Key Lake uranium mine, underscoring the strategic significance of its location. For further information, please contact the Company at info@bedfordmetals.com or 604-622-1199 or visit the Company’s website at www.bedfordmetals.com. On behalf of the Board, Bedford Metals Corp. “Peter Born”President Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws. CONTACT: MRKT360 INChttps://mrkt360.comAlex Zertuchealexz@mrkt360.comFor E.S.T Office Hours, Call 1 416-477-0587
BEIJING, Sept. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In Southern Africa, the Namib, a coastal desert stretching more than 2,000 kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the oldest and driest deserts in the world. With little rainfall there, almost no grass grows. However, as the waves crash against the endless and distinctive sand dunes, illuminated by the ever-changing light and shadow of nature, a breathtaking symphony of sand and sea unfolds, creating the unparalleled beauty that is Namibia. Driving through the heart of the Namib Desert, people can sewe from afar a Five-Starred Red Flag - China's national flag - fluttering in the wind. In an open-pit uranium mine, thousands of Chinese and African people work hard under the scorching sun. Crushing equipment, water treatment plants, settling ponds, calciners, and other large equipment are laid out on the ground in the distance, with mining trucks shuttling back and forth, and workers busy with their duties. This is the scene at the Rossing uranium mine, the largest and longest-operational open-pit uranium mine in the world. It is also a model of cooperation between China and Namibia. It is one of China's most important mining investments and projects in Namibia, producing about 5 percent of the world's uranium supply. However, this Namibian landmark, once a "star enterprise," had faced difficulties in production and operation due to the sharp decline in natural uranium prices after the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan. Declining production and aging equipment have left local employees lacking confidence in the future, fearing the risk of closure at any time. The Rossing uranium mine thus became known in the industry as the "Old Lady" struggling to move forward. However, changes began to take place when a Chinese company came to the scene. In July 2019, the state-owned China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and the multinational corporation Rio Tinto completed the handover of the Rossing uranium mine, officially taking over the project and bringing new vitality to the mine that was originally scheduled to be shut down. The Rossing project has now become a "ballast stone" for the natural uranium supply guarantee for nuclear power and a "propeller" for deepening global uranium mining capacity cooperation. The CNNC's acquisition and investment in the mine changed not only the fate of the desert mine, but also the fate of mine workers and many Namibians. Under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Africa Cooperation Forum mechanism, economic and trade cooperation between China and Africa is becoming increasingly close. More and more Chinese companies are investing and developing in Africa, growing together with the African market. These companies provide employment opportunities, conduct skills training, and cultivate batches of outstanding local talents. With the accelerated pace of Chinese companies "going global," the social status and labor skills of African women are also steadily improving. After the CNNC acquisition, the Rossing project has not only created employment opportunities for many local women, but has also improved their economic and social status. More importantly, it has cultivated a group of high-quality female employees, empowering them to live independent and self-reliant lives. Equally treated Angela Kapapilo, principal resource geologist at the Rossing uranium mine, is one of the representatives. Angela joined Rossing in November 2010. After the CNNC acquisition, the company actively introduced new technologies and equipment, and the production has reached record highs year after year. At the same time, the company has conducted efficient research on extending the life of the mine and restarted the Z20 uranium deposit exploration project. Kapapilo was then appointed as principal resource geologist, in charge of leading the Z20 exploration project, including geological, resource, geotechnical engineering, as well as hydrogeological research. The Z20 deposit is currently in the deep exploration stage, with plans to drill over 30,000 meters by 2024-25. This will provide strong support for the feasibility study of developing over 50,000 tons of resources in the Z20 deposit and lay an important foundation for extending the life of the Rossing uranium mine for another 20 years. "In the years working at the Rossing, I have gained experience in different positions. Serving as the principal resource geologist is a highlight of my career, thanks to the training provided by the CNNC. This is also a testament to the importance and cultivation of African employees by the Chinese company," Kapapilo told the Global Times. While working at the Rossing, Kapapilo said, she feels that Chinese enterprises treat every employee equally, enabling them to have the opportunity to become a leader. Especially in the mining industry, being able to achieve personal ambition as a woman gives her a great sense of accomplishment. With the help of the Chinese company, she completed a master's degree in geology. Learning advanced geostatistics and machine learning techniques sharpened her ability to make wise decisions in mineral resource management. The flexible working arrangements in the Chinese company also allowed her to better balance work and family responsibilities. "I often take work home while also pursuing part-time studies and other personal interests, so the challenge is mainly around ensuring that I am a supportive and intentional parent. I do my best to achieve a work-life balance by following a schedule, and ensuring family time is prioritized," she said. Kapapilo would often go to the mine, where vegetation is sparse, rocks are exposed, rainfall is scarce, and the wind is strong, to track project progress, identify problems, gather information, and seek solutions. Under her leadership, Chinese and local employees work closely together to complete their tasks on time. "All Rossing employees have benefited from the CNNC acquisition, as the alternative would have been the mine closure, leading to an increased number of unemployed Namibians. The recent approval of the Phase 4 plan to extend the life of the mine to 2036 means that most employees will be employed beyond the original 2026. Furthermore, Rossing procures a significant number of supplies and services from Namibian companies, and the company's improved profitability in the last few years has contributed to company income tax revenue for our government," Kapapilo said. "This means that the benefit of Rossing's continued operations via the investment by the CNNC positively impacts the livelihoods of not just Rossing employees, but also the broader Namibian society." Heartwarming and practical actions The Global Times learned from the CNNC that the Rossing uranium mine, through the establishment of the Rossing Foundation, supports local medical, educational, and sports projects, with its footprint covering the entire Namibia. The Rossing uranium mine has maintained a local procurement rate of about 75 percent annually, effectively driving local economic development. It also provides employment opportunities for about 1,000 direct employees and about 1,200 contractor employees, indirectly benefiting more than 10,000 people. Besides actively cooperating with technical schools, the mine has launched female youth entrepreneurship training programs. Since 2019, eight young women in Namibia have successfully established their own businesses with the support of the Rossing. Education conditions in Namibia are poor, especially in rural and remote areas where resources are severely lacking. Working with UNICEF and the Namibian Ministry of Education, the Rossing has also helped improve the quality of education in remote schools in the country. In 2023, the company donated materials, textbooks and teaching equipment to schools, as well as established three classes for mathematics, physics, and chemistry across Namibia, providing training courses for nearly 3,000 students. These heartwarming and practical actions have benefited more Namibians, earning strong support from the local government and high recognition from the surrounding communities. Namibian Minister of Mines and Energy Tom Alweendo said at a press conference held in Namibian capital Windhoek in June that Namibia's mining industry is one of the largest contributors to the country's economy, with Chinese investment playing a significant role in the development of the uranium mining sector. In 2023, Namibia's mining sector contributed up to 14.4 percent of the country's GDP, Alweendo said, noting that Chinese investment has been instrumental in establishing Namibia as one of the world's largest producers of uranium, according to the Xinhua News Agency. The longer Kapapilo works with Chinese employees, the more she intuitively feels the benefits of the latest technology brought along by Chinese enterprises. "Since my interactions with Chinese colleagues in 2019, I have been directly exposed to the technological innovations within the CNNC and Chinese companies. There was one instance during which we wanted to source a particular technology based on internal metallurgical test results. However, no suitable product was available on the market. Our supply chain general manager then introduced us to a Chinese institution, which used the information we gained from metallurgical tests to help design a suitable solution," she said. In March this year, Kapapilo came to visit Beijing and Central China's Hunan Province. She was very impressed by the hospitality of the Chinese people, the diversity of Chinese cuisines, the richness of Chinese culture, and the level of Chinese technological advancements. During the interview, she shared an interesting experience with the Global Times. "I normally wear masks because I have allergic reactions to various airborne respiratory tract irritants. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized there were almost no fumes from vehicles on the roads as all the vehicles we saw were electric! It gave me an impression of what carbon neutral could look like, albeit far into the future for most countries in Africa." https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202409/1319229.shtml
A12 藝術空間
Uranium Mining
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