By Wezi Tjaronda
WINDHOEK
Renewed interest in uranium mainly due to rising costs of fossil fuels and fears of its impact on global warming has not died down, especially now.
Also owing to problems of power generation worldwide in the past 15 to 20 years, the world has been re-looking uranium, which has made the prices of the mineral to soar to an all time high, with the prices per pound of uranium oxide soaring at US$10 to over US$100/pound. This is the best price the mineral has fetched in 26 years.
Since last year when the second uranium mine was commissioned, many other companies have applied to prospect for uranium, while others are conducting feasibility studies and yet others are conducting environmental impact assessments.
The renewed interest in a mineral that had become uneconomical because of the dwindling prices on the international markets has seen the Ministry of Mines and Energy issuing 40 exploration licenses.
So far, 18 companies are prospecting for uranuim.
The ministry says the country is currently experiencing outgoing explorations, most of which could be upgraded into deposits. These include Valencia, R??????’??