China Nuclear Uranium Corporation, or CNUC, a subsidiary of the China National Nuclear Corporation, or CNNC, is one of the world’s leading suppliers of natural uranium as well as a domestic provider of specialized uranium products. It is making great strides in promoting high-quality sustainable development of the Rössing uranium mine in Namibia, Africa.
For more than six decades, CNUC has focused on core activities related to the exploration, development and supply of natural uranium. The company has established an efficient full-cycle natural uranium industry chain that encompasses research, exploration, development, design and engineering applications, while developing unique advantages in uranium production, supply, sales, storage and other related fields.
CNUC is committed to building a uranium-based, world-class technology-driven mining company. With advanced technology, rich experience and efficient management, it has become one of the most important participants in the global uranium industry, ranking second in the world in uranium sales for three consecutive years.
As one of the world’s primary suppliers of natural uranium, Namibia plays a key role in global nuclear energy development, and CNUC attaches great importance to its mining investments and overseas expansion in the African country. This year marks the fifth anniversary of CNUC’s acquisition of the Rössing mine.
Over the past five years, CNUC has embraced sustainable development, provided comprehensive support to Rössing, diligently fulfilled its corporate mission and social responsibilities, and strived to achieve a good balance between economic and social benefits. The company has successfully revitalized the Rössing operation, which was at risk of closure, and improved production while actively participating in social welfare undertakings and making important contributions to Namibia’s socioeconomic development and the livelihood of its people.
Over the past five years, Rössing has achieved impressive results in the production and operation, scientific and technological innovation, safety management, cultural integration and social responsibilities, demonstrating remarkable progress in high-quality development. Product output has steadily increased, reaching a record high 2,920 metric tons of U3O8 in 2023, the highest since 2011.Revenue and profit have continued to improve, with sales revenue reaching 6.48 billion Namibian dollars ($361 million) in 2023, a significant increase of 130 percent compared to 2019, and total profit increasing by 235 percent over the same period.
CNUC has consistently strengthened cooperation with local enterprises, building a community of shared interests and achieving win-win cooperation. CNUC has always supported Rössing in actively fulfilling its corporate social responsibility by contributing to public welfare undertakings such as medical care and education. In 2023, Rössing’s social responsibility investment reached a historical high of over 41 million Namibian dollars. From 2019-23, Rössing invested more than 136 million Namibian dollars in public welfare and launched activities relating to education, poverty alleviation, healthcare, skills training and environmental protection. CNUC has also implemented several youth entrepreneurship support projects, promoting local social and economic development.
Over the past five years, CNUC has attached great importance to the long-term development of Rössing, carrying out research and continuously increasing investment in resource exploration. The Phase 4 pushback, which started ahead of schedule last December, will extend the life of the mine by 10 years and provide valuable time for subsequent resource development.
Besides Rössing, CNUC’s presence in Namibia includes a 25 percent stake in Langer Heinrich Uranium and a 58 percent stake in Zhonghe Resources (Namibia) Development. In the first quarter of 2024, Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine also successfully resumed production after five years of care and maintenance.
In June 2024, CNUC held several activities in Windhoek, Namibia, including the Namibian Natural Uranium Sustainable Development Conference, Rössing Uranium 2023 Sustainability Report Launch and its five-year anniversary under CNUC majority shareholding. During the conference, CNUC stated its willingness to continue to enhance collaboration with all parties to explore and promote the sustainable development of the uranium industry, in Namibia and globally.
Looking ahead, CNUC remains committed to strengthening corporate social responsibility management with a strong sense of responsibility and proactive measures. The company aims to encourage more stakeholders in fulfilling their corporate social responsibilities, promote green, low-carbon and high-quality development, and create more value while contributing significantly to the sustainable development of Namibia’s society and economy.
