GoviEx Uranium strengthens technical team with appointment of veteran metallurgist for Muntanga
Published: 08:57 03 Jun 2025 EDT
GoviEx Uranium Inc (TSX-V:GXU, OTCQB:GVXXF) announced that it has appointed Deogratias Bukunkwe as Project/Commissioning Metallurgist for its Muntanga uranium project in Zambia.
Bukunkwe, a Zambian national, brings over 25 years of experience in process start-up and plant operations, with a particular focus on uranium and heap leach processes.
He has held senior roles at the Kayelekera and Langer Heinrich uranium mines, leadership in Operational Readiness at DRA Minopex, and, most recently, served as Commissioning Manager at Freeport-McMoRan’s Grasberg Gold and Copper Cleaner Concentrator in Indonesia.
In his new role at GoviEx, Bukunkwe will focus on developing a detailed pre-commissioning framework for the Muntanga project. This framework is intended to support the due-diligence process of potential lenders, as GoviEx moves closer to securing project financing, the company noted.
Bukunkwe will also lead the commissioning and management of the processing plant, which GoviEx anticipates could begin production in 2028, contingent upon securing financing.
"We are continuing to advance the Muntanga project towards its next development phase. As we transition from feasibility to project financing, bolstering our technical team is crucial,” GoviEx Uranium CEO Daniel Major said.
“Deogratias' track record of preparing, comissioning and ramping up uranium plants strengthens our execution capability and helps to assure potential banking partners of our ability to execute safely and on schedule."
Bukunkwe welcomed working on the Muntanga project in his home company as an incredible opportunity.
“My career has focused on guiding plants to production, and I plan to use that experience to ensure a safe and high-performing project that benefits all stakeholders,” Bukunkwe said.
“I also look forward to collaborating with prospective lenders as we design and validate a robust pre-commissioning programme to advance the Muntanga project's development."
