Staff Reporter
THE Environmental Commissioner, Timoteus Mufeti, has confirmed that no final decision has yet been made concerning the proposed uranium in-situ leach (ISL) mining project in the Leonardville area of the Omaheke Region.
According to Mufeti, the government will only reach a decision once the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has submitted a technical assessment of the project’s potential impacts, after which it will be reviewed.
“The IAEA will submit a technical report, which will undergo further inter-ministerial review before the government determines the way forward. No final decision has been taken at this stage. The public will be formally notified through official government communication platforms,” Mufeti said.
He revealed that the government has already hosted an Independent Technical Review Mission by the IAEA from 9 to 13 February 2026 to assess the proposed project.
“Headsprings Investment, a subsidiary of Uranium One under the Rosatom Group, previously conducted prospecting activities and has indicated its intention to proceed with drilling and testing wells using the ISL method. Given concerns regarding potential impacts on groundwater, public health and the environment, particularly within the Stampriet Transboundary Aquifer System, the government sought independent, internationally recognised expertise before considering any further authorisations,” he said.
Mufeti explained that the ISL mining method involves circulating a solution through underground uranium-bearing ore bodies to dissolve the mineral, which is then pumped to the surface for processing. He added that the IAEA Technical Expert Team assessed environmental protection measures, groundwater management, public health and radiation safeguards, as well as regulatory oversight frameworks, to provide independent, science-based evidence to inform the government’s decision-making.
“During the mission, consultations were held with the relevant ministries (Environment, Mines and Energy, Health and Agriculture), the project proponent, regional leadership including the Governor of the Omaheke Region, Traditional Authorities, agricultural stakeholders, civil society and concerned groups. The programme included regulatory engagements in Windhoek, a field visit and stakeholder consultations in Gobabis. The mission commenced with a high-level briefing chaired by the Right Honourable Prime
Minister, Dr Tjitunga Ngurare, attended by the Ministers of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, as well as senior officials from the relevant ministries and the Governor of the Omaheke Region,” Mufeti revealed.
He confirmed that the IAEA will submit a technical report, which will undergo further inter-ministerial review before the government determines the way forward.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: Namibian Uranium Association
