Swakop eyes new uranium mine

Swakop Uranium is planning a major expansion of its uranium mining operations in the Erongo Region, with a proposed three-pit mine and processing plant covering an area of about 130 square kilometres inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park.

The proposed Holland’s Dome project would comprise three open pits, a processing plant capable of handling 12 million tonnes of material annually and supporting mining infrastructure, according to a draft environmental scoping report dated 2 November 2026.

The development would have a direct footprint of approximately 50 square kilometres, with the proposed mining licence covering about 130 square kilometres.

The project signals a potential expansion of Swakop Uranium’s presence in Namibia’s uranium sector, where the company currently operates the Husab mine, one of the country’s major uranium producers.

Holland’s Dome is located south of Husab’s existing mining licence, ML171. Swakop Uranium intends to convert portions of its existing exploration licences, EPL3439 and EPL3138, into a mining licence to facilitate the development.

The proposed mine would comprise three open pits, identified as HD-West, HD-East and GV-South. Uranium-bearing material would be extracted through conventional drilling, blasting and truck haulage before being processed on site to produce uranium oxide.

Infrastructure would include two waste rock dumps, a tailings storage facility, ore stockpiles, a power substation, water reservoir, explosives and fuel storage facilities, as well as administrative buildings and other supporting services.

Conservation concerns

However, the proposed location within the Namib-Naukluft National Park places the project under considerable environmental scrutiny.

The draft report identifies potential impacts on biodiversity, wildlife habitats, groundwater resources, archaeological sites and the surrounding landscape.

Among the principal concerns are groundwater contamination, the lowering of water tables through mine dewatering, dust emissions, noise, vibration and potential radiation exposure.

Specialist investigations will assess the risks associated with mining waste facilities, groundwater abstraction and the movement of radioactive materials into the surrounding environment.

The archaeological dimension is also significant. A previous reconnaissance survey identified 81 sites within the wider project area, including remains linked to historical settlement and transport activities.

The environmental assessment will further examine the implications for tourism and the conservation value of the national park, alongside potential benefits such as employment creation, skills development and increased economic activity.

Licensing process

The project remains at an early regulatory stage and cannot proceed to development without the necessary environmental and mining approvals.

Swakop Uranium submitted its environmental clearance application to the relevant authorities on 19 October 2026.

The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy can only issue a mining licence once the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has granted an environmental clearance certificate.

Public consultation on the draft scoping report runs from 2 to 30 November 2026.

The process will include engagement with government authorities, Swakop River plot owners, tourism operators and other interested parties.

The environmental assessment will help determine whether the proposed development can proceed and under what conditions, particularly given the competing considerations of mineral development and conservation within a protected area.