Chamwe Kaira
Uranium One, which is the subsidiary of Russian firm Rosatom has committed Uranium One Group has committed to respect the country’s mining and environmental the laws and regulations as it explores for uranium.
Uranium One Group is exploring for uranium in the Leonardville area. The company’s spokesperson Riaan van Rooyen the company will respect all regulations.
“Uranium One has always, and will always, respect the laws, rules and regulations of Namibia and it will not change,” said Van Rooyen.
Talking about opposition to the project by some farmers, environmentalists and politicians, Van Rooyen said the project does not pose danger to the environment.
“Anyone that is prepared to meet with us to discuss the project, will be given the scientific facts, proving that the exploration as well as the mining method, are safe. But, at the same time it is important to note that, according to our information and assessment, there are many more people who are in favour of the project than those against the project.”
He said the company is still in an exploration phase and speaking about mining licenses is pre-mature, he said when asked its mining plans.
Van Rooyen said the project will create jobs and contribute to economic development.
“Jobs to be created will be between 600 to 800. The local community and Namibia as a whole will benefit considerably. One only needs to look at the significant impact we are having on the community through our CSR projects, to understand that the positive impact that the mine will bring, will be very beneficial to the Omaheke Region and Namibia as a whole.”
Commenting on how the project will compare to other uranium mines in size and production capacity, he said it was not possible to make those projections at the moment.
“Because we have not completed the exploration phase, it is not possible to project the possible production per annum. We cannot speak on behalf of the other, mines’ production.”
The company expects to start production in 2029 and studies have already shown the presence of a large sandstone-type uranium deposit. The lifespan is expected to be close to 30 years and the company is planning to spend US$500 million on the project.
Namibia is one of the top uranium producers in the world, in terms of other uranium mining activities in the country, the Chamber of Mines of Namibia stated in its 2022 annual report that the Langer Heinrich Restart Plan has confirmed a 17-year project life with peak production of up to six million pounds of uranium oxide per annum for the seven years of mining. The mine has been on care and maintaince for the past four years and is expected to resume production next year.
The Orano Mining Namibia, 100% owned by Uramin Inc has not started production at the Trekkopje Mine but has implemented its care and maintenance programme at the moment.
Rössing Uranium, which is majority owned by China National Uranium Corporation Limited (CNUC) produced 2659 tonnes of uranium oxide in 2022, according to the Chamber of Mines.
Swakop Uranium owns the Husab uranium mine, located near Swakopmund, which produced 3958 tonnes of uranium oxide in 2022, according to the Chamber of Mines.
