Chamwe Kaira
SLR Environmental Consulting Namibia, commissioned by Osino Gold Exploration and Mining, has completed an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for groundwater abstraction from the Kranzberg Aquifer near Usakos in the Erongo Region.
The assessment found that with recommended mitigation measures, the residual impacts are low to very low.
SLR said the mitigation plan follows a hierarchy: avoiding sensitive areas first, then reducing impacts, and finally rehabilitating disturbed sites.
The firm considers the EIA and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) robust enough for MAFWLR and MEFT to make informed decisions.
Osino is developing the Twin Hills Gold Project about 25 km northeast of Karibib in Erongo. To secure water for mining operations, Osino conducted water supply investigations near the mine and sought alternative sources to reduce pressure on local water in the water-scarce central areas of Namibia.
Namibia Water Corporation Limited (NamWater), working with Osino, confirmed the feasibility of abstracting groundwater from the Kranzberg Aquifer.
This supports expanding the Kranzberg Water Supply Scheme, operated by NamWater, which Osino plans to use for the Twin Hills Gold Mine.
The Twin Hills project is expected to contribute significantly to Namibia’s economy. During construction, it will employ between 1 000 and 1 500 people, and about 450 will work during operations.
The mine’s lifespan is estimated at a minimum of 16 years, providing jobs and income for workers and their families.
