Staff Reporter
HEADSPRING Investments, the subsidiary company of Uranium One, which is part of Russia’s state-owned atomic energy agency Rosatom, has said that it agrees with scientific views that more studies need to be conducted to understand how its proposed In-Situ Recovery (ISR) mining method in the Stampriet aquifer will impact the water.
At a high-level meeting held in Mariental on 17 June, international scientists from UNESCO, Dr. Malcolm Siegel and Amie Legget, mentioned that more information, particularly hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical data, is needed to make an informed decision regarding the major ISR uranium mining project.
The high-level meeting came after Namibian farmers raised concerns that the in-situ leaching or in-situ recovery mining solution could dissolve uranium and other toxic radioactive minerals into the groundwater. This prompted the government to seek assistance from UNESCO to find a way forward on uranium mining in the Stampriet Artesian Basin.
Riaan van Rooyen from Headspring Investments said that Headspring Investments (HSI), which holds eight active Exclusive Exploration Licenses (EPLs) and eight active Environmental Clearance Certificates (ECCs) for the EPLs, fully concurs with the views of these scientists.
“We also confirm that we are prepared to continue and complete exploration drilling, conduct comprehensive studies, and provide the required information (data) referred to by the UNESCO representatives. The data can be obtained through work on a 5-spot test (small pilot site – 15×15 meters covering 0.00002% of the deposit), which is being built in compliance with all international safety standards and includes a strong monitoring system,” van Rooyen said.
An expert from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Dr. Alexander Boytsov, invited by HSI, emphasized in his presentation that the goal of the test is to determine the main technical parameters of the project and decide on its further development. He also mentioned that groundwater research is part of the uranium exploration stage before mining starts. The scientist added that pilot plant experience will help to conduct a comprehensive, detailed, and accurate water analysis to obtain data on the degree of natural contamination of water with uranium decay products (radionuclides) and then take measures to reduce risks and protect the health of those farmers who have boreholes in Auob 3 on the ore body.
Van Rooyen added that Headspring Investments stays absolutely open for any technical discussion and believes that decisions regarding the project will be based on scientific facts and not irrational fears and unfounded rumours.
This point was also supported by the Honourable Governor of the Omaheke Region, Pijoo Nganate, as well as the Environmental Commissioner, Mr. Mufeti.
“Headspring Investments appreciates the initiative from the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Calle Schlettwein, to create a platform for open dialogue and facilitate a high-level discussion regarding uranium exploration in the Stampriet Water Basin. We thank all the participants who travelled from far and near to be at the event and contribute to such an important discussion,” van Rooyen concluded.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: Headspring Investments
