Parliament backs Russian uranium project in Omaheke

Parliament has endorsed the continuation of uranium exploration by Headspring Investments under current license conditions, despite warnings from environmental experts about potential contamination of Namibia’s precious freshwater resources.Mines and energy minister Natangwe Ithete told lawmakers last week that the ministry of agriculture has been mandated to permit Headspring Investments to continue exploration for a proposed in-situ leach uranium mining project in the Omaheke region.The decision follows consultations by the parliamentary standing committee on natural resources and the standing committee on economic and public administration, which included affected communities, traditional authorities, village councils, and regional governors from Omaheke and Hardap regions.Ithete said the committees found no evidence that in-situ leaching had or would contaminate underground water. “Accordingly, this House mandated the Ministry to permit the continuation of exploration activities by Headspring Investments under the current license conditions,” he told Parliament.He emphasised that no actual mining has occurred. The company currently holds only exclusive prospecting licenses (EPLs), which do not allow test mining, and no mining license application has been submitted. Environmental Clearance Certificates issued pertain strictly to exploration activities.“There is no confirmed evidence that current exploration activities have caused underground water contamination,” Ithete added, while recommending that regular water quality monitoring be conducted by NamWater and the Ministry.Industry response and controversyHeadspring Investments’ parent company, Russian state-owned Uranium One, confirmed that it continues to follow due processes to obtain the required permits. Spokesperson Riaan van Rooyen told Namibian Sun that the company had no additional comments on Parliament’s discussion.Critics, however, warn of severe risks. The Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (Sauma) cautioned that in-situ leaching — which involves pumping chemicals into aquifers to dissolve uranium — could contaminate one of Namibia’s most important freshwater reserves. The dissolved ore is then extracted to the surface, and critics say the process could produce uranium concentrations far above World Health Organization safe limits.Following a recent closed-door meeting between Headspring Investments, parliamentary committee chair Tobie Aupindi, and Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate, Aupindi called for a balance between economic growth, job creation, and environmental safeguards. “This is a multibillion-dollar opportunity that we cannot allow to be sabotaged or wasted because people have different opinions,” he said.Sauma rejected this stance, citing over 100 international publications and expert reports warning of the dangers of in-situ uranium mining. “The proposed project represents a looming catastrophe for Namibia, a threat we cannot allow to materialise,” the association said. It also defended the government’s earlier revocation of Uranium One’s drilling permits, arguing that the company had failed to comply with stipulated conditions.“The notion of mining and agriculture coexisting harmoniously is painted in alluring hues. But what becomes of this vision when pollution and contamination threaten agriculture, the lifeblood of employment for more than 70% of Namibians?” Sauma asked.

Parliament backs Russian uranium project in Omaheke

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-10-09

Please login to leave a comment

Parliament backs Russian uranium project in Omaheke

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-10-09

Please login to leave a comment

Login