Erasmus Shalihaxwe
A parliamentary investigation has found that Uranium One Group, a mining company exploring uranium in the area of Leonardville in the Omaheke region, drilled 70 exploration boreholes without the required permits.
The company also drilled seven boreholes for hydrogeological studies without authorisation, violating the Water Resources Act 11, 2013.
A report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources, Economics, and Public Administration revealed that the company failed to follow permit conditions.
According to the report, the boreholes were not properly cased off and grouted, raising concerns about groundwater contamination.
“The two committees managed to hear the presentation from the parties involved. However, more consultations and clarifications are needed. According to an explanation provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reform as the attachment (annexure 1), exploration is on hold due to non-adherence to permit conditions, thus having contravened the Water Resources Act 11 of 2013,” the report stated.
The committee held meetings with Leonardville residents, the Omaheke regional governor, geologists, and representatives of Uranium One Group following complaints that the company’s activities could pollute groundwater and harm the environment.
Initially, many community members supported the project because of job opportunities, but opposition grew over time.
However, the report noted that there is no evidence yet to confirm that the mining methods used have contaminated underground water.
Despite the company’s non-compliance with regulations, the committee recommended that exploration continue unless evidence proves that in-situ leach mining poses a risk to groundwater.
“The government of the Republic of Namibia should appoint independent specialists in hydrology, geology, metallurgy, hydrogeology, and geochemistry to review the proposed in-situ leaching mining and its effects on groundwater. The government is to share information and educate the community at large on its findings, in particular the impacts of in-situ mining methodology,” the committee urged.
