Uranium prospecting in Stampriet Aquifer discussed

A number of interested and affected parties recently gathered in Leonardville to discuss the current standing of uranium prospecting in the main underground aquifer within the Stampriet Transboundary Aquifer System.

About 200 people attended the gathering, which started with a short presentation followed by a summary of events up to date.

According to the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), this is the only source of year-round drinking water in the region.

“Agricultural activities including livestock and wildlife farming, irrigation projects, food production and tourism activities will be impacted by mining since this introduces high levels of several dissolved radioactive elements and many toxic heavy metals into the drinking water,” it said.

The union added that such levels are far above World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for safe drinking water.

Headspring Investment recently filed an application in the High Court to have the agriculture ministry’s decision set aside after its exploration permit for drilling in the aquifer was denied.

Respondents listed in the application also include the mines and energy ministry, the environment ministry and individual farmers as well as the village councils of Aminuis and Leonardville.

According to the NAU, the matter is now sub judice, and has been postponed to 8 June for a status hearing.

Concerns

“Farmers and village council members expressed their concerns as respondents to the application and the financial implications this could have on them,” the union said.

The Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association, having partnered with one of the respondents, is keeping an eye on developments via its legal team.

“We continue to raise funding for this matter to ensure that such prospecting is stopped and that in-situ leach mining in the aquifer does not take place,” it said.