Modern Mining August 2025

development of a few uranium projects.” This Sandton-based engineering firm was recently involved in PCM work for the DASA (Société Minière de DASA SOMIDA SA) uranium project in Niger - an underground uranium mine being developed by Global Atomic in the Agadez region. “In addition, METC is completing the demonstration plant for a uranium project in East Africa making METC one of the few EPCMs globally, that is executing more than one uranium project. The company has also delivered a feasibility study for Omico Mining’s Omitiomire Copper Project in Namibia and completed a feasibility study for the El Moto Tungston project in Spain. In November last year, Omico Copper, announced that results from its BFS on its 95%- owned Omitiomire Copper Project “defined a highly compelling copper mining operation, on a standalone basis”. METC is currently working with Andrada on its lithium, tin and tantalum expansion initiatives as well as Rainbow Rare Earth’s Palabowra project and its Uburaba project being studied by both Rainbow and Mosiac. Although most of METC’s workload is on projects in Africa, locally, it has shared its expertise with emerging miner, Orion minerals, upgrading the resource base of the company’s flagship Prieska Copper Zinc Mine (PCZM) in the Northern Cape. Orion Minerals is aiming to become a next-generation copper and zinc producer. Discussing precious metals related activities,

Mill shell being delivered to Mutoshi Project in DRC.

commodities are still experiencing strong demand and rocketing prices, investor appetite for project funding remains capricious. Mining is a long-term investment, and most investors favour quick returns.” Although the EPCM specialist has a strong order book for 2025, Tatalias admits that the company has capacity for more work and is hoping that delayed projects, several for which it has tendered, will soon be given the green light. Commodities experiencing strong upside Copper’s widespread use in various industries and its crucial role in renewable energy and the digital economy, cements its importance in the global economy, with demand remaining solid. “Battery metals including lithium, tantalum, rare-earth minerals and cobalt are also in demand. The world’s desire for non-carbon fuel sources sees uranium and thorium, which are used in nuclear reactors, gaining popularity. Uranium is a high energy-density green mineral that is aligned with the clean energy agenda. Following the commodity’s recent re-emergence as an important baseload energy source, uranium is experiencing an upsurge in demand, with METC currently involved in the

AUGUST 2026 | www.modernminingmagazine.co.za  MODERN MINING  19

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