Chamwe Kaira
Osino Gold Exploration and Mining (Pty) Ltd has updated its final environmental impact assessment (EIA) scoping report for the proposed abstraction of groundwater from the Kranzberg Aquifer in Usakos, Erongo region.
The project aims to secure a reliable water source for the Twin Hills Gold Mine, located about 25 kilometres northeast of Karibib, without affecting the surrounding environment or local communities.
Twin Hills is Namibia’s third and newest gold mine, with a lifespan of 13 years and over 2 million ounces in reserves.
The mine represents a total investment of US$475 million and is expected to produce 162 000 ounces of gold per year.
Osino’s water demand is estimated at 3 300 cubic metres per day, requiring the company to look beyond its mining licence area.
In partnership with NamWater, Osino has been assessing the feasibility of expanding the Kranzberg Water Supply Scheme. The company appointed SLR Environmental Consulting Namibia to conduct the full EIA.
Hydrologists identified two sub-aquifers within the Kranzberg system—the Kranzberg and Aroab sub-aquifers—with annual recharge rates of up to 600 000 cubic metres.
“Modelling showed that up to 460 800 cubic meters per year could be abstracted sustainably without harming the aquifer or nearby ecosystems. Even in a worst-case ‘no recharge’ scenario, drawdown levels remained within safe limits, suggesting that the impact of pumping would stay confined to production boreholes,” the updated report said.
Public meetings were held in Usakos, where residents, farmers and environmental groups shared their input.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, as well as the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, oversaw the clearance process.
The assessment found potential risks such as habitat disturbance, vegetation loss, and soil erosion but these were rated as low to very low after mitigation measures were applied.
The report also highlighted a potential improvement in water security for Usakos and nearby areas during droughts or emergencies.
Measures to prevent the spread of invasive plants and protect wildlife were included in the environmental management plan.
An environmental control officer will oversee compliance during construction.
SLR concluded that with the safeguards in place, the Kranzberg abstraction project can proceed responsibly and recommended that the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism grant the Environmental Clearance Certificate for Osino’s Twin Hills project.
Caption
The Twin Hills Gold Mine Project is expected to have a lifespan of 13 years.
- Photo: Contributed
