Sydney, Jan 21, 2026, 17:38 AEDT — Market closed.
- Paladin Energy (ASX:PDN) jumped 12.9%, ending Wednesday at A$13.14
- The miner posted a 16% increase in uranium output at Langer Heinrich during the December quarter
- Management indicated full-year production is on track to hit the upper range of guidance
Paladin Energy Ltd’s shares jumped 12.9% to A$13.14 on Wednesday, reaching their highest level in a year. The uranium miner’s solid December quarter results refocused attention on its Langer Heinrich mine ramp-up in Namibia. The S&P/ASX 200 index slipped 0.37%. 1
This matters since Paladin has turned into a key benchmark for seeing if restarted uranium mines can boost output without derailing costs or timelines. Traders often view quarterly production figures as a firm reality check on the story.
Uranium stocks have jumped sharply this month, reacting to even minor shifts in supply forecasts and producers’ comments on contract cover and pricing. Paladin’s latest update offered the market concrete new figures to digest, beyond just broad themes.
“It was a very strong quarter for Paladin,” chief executive Paul Hemburrow remarked during the December-quarter results call. 2
Paladin reported in its quarterly update for the three months ended Dec. 31 that Langer Heinrich pumped out 1.23 million pounds of U3O8 — uranium oxide concentrate, also known as yellowcake — marking a 16% jump from the previous quarter. Ore feed grade hit 524 parts per million, and plant recovery stood at 91%. The company sold 1.43 million pounds at an average realised price of $71.8 per pound, with a “cost of production” metric set at $39.7 per pound. Full-year output is on track for the top end of its 4.0 to 4.4 million-pound projection. Paladin owns 75% of the mine. Cash and investments totaled $278.4 million at quarter-end, alongside $70 million of undrawn revolving credit. The miner also confirmed contracts for 23 million pounds through 2030, including a life-of-mine sales deal with China’s CNNC. 3
The rally highlighted how fast investors are willing to chase operational momentum, even as broader markets slipped. Paladin’s strong finish proved once again that “production beats” carry more weight than most macro headlines.
Yet, during the ramp-up phase, there’s little margin for error. Contract terms and shipping timetables can move receipts across quarters, while price exposure flips if uranium demand slackens or contract conditions turn unfavorable.
Looking ahead to the next session and into February, all eyes are on delivery and timing. Paladin flagged that the rest of its mining fleet should arrive at Langer Heinrich by the end of January, with commissioning planned for the March quarter. The company also confirmed interim financial results are set for Feb. 12. On the legal front, Paladin is still defending a shareholder class action in Victoria after the court appointed one law firm to handle the case, causing a rival claim to drop out.
