Staff Writer
The Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (Sauma) has raised concerns about a report tabled in Parliament by the standing committee on natural resources recommending that Headspring Investments be allowed to drill and carry out in situ uranium extraction at its Omaheke sites in the transboundary Stampriet Artesian Basin.
Sauma said it was surprised by the committee’s findings and stated that it was not consulted during the process despite efforts to engage with the committee.
The association said the committee appeared to have engaged only with Headspring Investments, a foreign-owned company.
“This raises fundamental questions about the transparency, balance, and credibility of the standing committee. The stance taken by the committee in its report and in presenting only one side of the issue is highly irresponsible,” Sauma said.
Sauma said it is concerned about the absence of a comprehensive and independent hydrogeological flow study based on current water use in the basin.
The association noted that such a study had been recommended by a previous Standing Committee and should be completed before any decision is taken.
It said moving forward without the study ignores environmental risks linked to in-situ leach uranium mining.
The Stampriet Basin covers a large farming area that has relied on groundwater for decades.
Sauma said several published studies on the basin’s underground geology and hydrology have been overlooked.
The association said these studies are important for understanding the risks that in situ leach mining could pose to groundwater used by farmers in the region.
According to Sauma, irrigation in the basin currently pumps more than 700 cubic metres of water every hour throughout the year.
The association says this level of pumping creates a strong underground flow and draws water from areas many kilometres away.
“This alone will draw highly toxic mine solution out of a mine area and cause widespread contamination of this critical source of underground drinking water,” SAUMA said.
Sauma also raised concerns about possible cross-border impacts because the groundwater resource is shared by Namibia and Botswana.
The association said it is reviewing options in response to the committee’s report.
“Sauma is currently considering all available options in response to the committee’s report. The studies and expert reports reviewed by Sauma consistently highlight significant risks and unresolved challenges. It is therefore deeply concerning that conclusions appear to have been reached without adequate consideration of these factors.”
Sauma said it remains committed to protecting Namibia’s water resources and ensuring that decisions on mining projects consider the long-term interests of the country.
Caption
Headspring Investments estimates that the sandstone-type uranium deposit, considered suitable for in-situ recovery, could produce about 3 000 tonnes of uranium per year with a mine life of at least 25 years.
- Photo: Headspring Investments
