CHAMWE KAIRA
Uranium One Group says it has taken note of Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (SAUMA)’s open letter which was published in the media recently.
The Uranium One Group which aims to invest up to N$8,5 billion in the Namibian economy through the uranium mine near Stampriest.
Uranium One said it is of the opinion that SAUMA’s letter was one sided and did not take all factors into consideration.
The company said Rosatom, the mother company of Uranium One Group, has a proven track record of over 50 years in In-Situ Leaching or In-Situ Recovery (ISR) mining.
“Because Rosatom insists on the highest ecological standards, there has been no incident of contamination in any of our ISR mines, ever,” the company said.
The company said is due mainly to three reasons, the company does extensive research before opening such a mine, the company allows independent bodies to observe the processes and activities of the company and through continuous monitoring, any deviation can be detected immediately and remedial actions can be taken swiftly, preventing any contamination.
Uranium One Group said the international Atomic Energy Agency is on record that they deem ISR to be the safest mining methodology in the world.
“One, therefore, has to ask the question, why is it that nearly 60% of all uranium extraction in the world is done through ISR. The company remains committed to open and transparent communication to its stakeholders and will always welcome constructive inputs. However, this means that the stakeholders, like SAUMA, should accept our invitations to enter into constructive, mature dialogue. Unfortunately, SAUMA has so far declined our numerous invitations for dialogue,” he said.
The company said one of the surest ways to alleviate poverty is through mining projects. It said multiplier effect when a mine comes to an area is often staggering.
“Through mining projects communities get access to improved health care health, improved wealth, improved education and improved medical care. Mines create a future for children as more job opportunities open up for local children. All these benefits become available with the major investments of mining companies.”
Uranium One Group, said through its Namibian affiliate, Headspring Investments, the company should be allowed to complete thorough research before rash decisions are taken that will prevent growth in the area, and that will prevent a proper water analysis study, so that the farmers and other residents of the area can know for sure which water is safe to use and which not.
“The research will also inform the company whether ISR mining can be done safely or not. Should the mining project be stopped blindly, then all possibilities of a brighter future are stopped as well. Such a decision will border on criminal behavior,” the company said.
