First Uranium to Generate Own Power

Canadian miner First Uranium is to generate its own electricity at its South African mines to keep up with production targets as the country continues to struggle with power shortages.

The extra capacity will supplement electricity provided by state utility Eskom at the Ezulwini Mine and Mine Waste Solutions tailings recovery project (MWS).

The company expects to power its generators using a combination of diesel fuel and heavy fuel oil for approximately five years at the projects, which mine both gold and uranium.

"First Uranium is determined to start up its uranium recovery plants at its Ezulwini Mine and MWS on schedule," says First Uranium President and CEO Gordon Miller.

"We have adjusted our uses and sources of electrical power to enable us to fulfil our production commitments to our investors."

Eskom has been struggling to meet electricity demands across South Africa since power shortages led to the country's mining industry shutting down for five days in January.

Mines are still only operating at 95 percent of usual capacity.

By Ozge Ibrahim