The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has identified significant gaps in Headspring Investments’ environmental assessments for its proposed Wings uranium pilot project in the Omaheke Region, warning that insufficient evidence exists to demonstrate adequate protection of the Stampriet Transboundary Aquifer.
The review raised concerns over aquifer confinement, groundwater contamination risks, hydraulic control and the restoration of groundwater after uranium extraction.
The IAEA issued 27 recommendations to Namibian authorities, calling for stronger monitoring, additional field data and improved groundwater modelling. It stressed that outstanding technical concerns must be addressed before environmental risks can be adequately demonstrated.
The findings come as the Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association calls for a halt to further research drilling pending disclosure of the authorisation granted to the company.
Update: Chamwe Kaira
Photo: Contributed
