Concerns over elevated radionuclide levels in the Stampriet Water Basin have reignited debates about the environmental risks posed by uranium exploration in the Leonardville area.
Uranium One, through its Namibian subsidiary Headspring Investments, confirmed that water samples from the aquifer revealed high concentrations of radionuclides, which could pose serious health risks.
“We found elevated levels of radionuclides in the water on the ore body, which in some instances are dangerous,” said Uranium One spokesperson Riaan van Rooyen. “This is a problem we need to solve.”
Radionuclides, naturally occurring due to uranium decay over millennia, emit ionising radiation that can harm human and animal health when consumed. The Stampriet Water Basin, a vital aquifer spanning Namibia, Botswana and South Africa, serves as a critical water source for agriculture and human consumption. Elevated alpha and beta radiation activities could exacerbate long-term health risks such as cancer.
The water ministry told this publication that it has conducted water sampling around Headspring operations to assess baseline radionuclide concentrations, and the analysis is currently underway.
Van Rooyen said they did the testing two years ago with a lab in Germany, but when they presented to government, it requested them to do another testing that both institutions can compare.
The mining company has faced criticism for its proposed in-situ recovery (ISR) mining method, which extracts uranium through boreholes. Environmentalists and local groups argue that this technique risks contaminating the aquifer.
Despite these concerns, Uranium One remains confident in its methods. Kirill Egorov-Kirillov, Director of Headspring Investments, last week defended ISR mining as safe and efficient.
“Our track record speaks for itself. Over 50 years of experience with no negative incidents or impacts at any of our mines,” he said.
Egorov-Kirillov emphasised the company’s commitment to sustainability and collaboration with local communities.
However, critics remain unconvinced. The Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (Sauma) has called for independent studies to assess the environmental risks thoroughly.
“We are not against mining, but we cannot afford to jeopardise our only source of drinking water for short-term economic gains,” said Sauma in statements earlier.
The Namibian government has so far hesitated to approve uranium mining in the Stampriet basin due to gaps in scientific data.
Uranium One has invested approximately N$850 million into exploration activities in Omaheke, but was forced to halt operations a few years ago amid growing opposition. The company estimates that its proposed project could generate annual revenues of N$6.6 billion and create 800 jobs, if approved.
As debates continue, the question remains whether economic benefits outweigh potential environmental consequences. For now, stakeholders await further scientific evidence, while tensions over the future of one of Southern Africa’s most critical freshwater resources persist.