Namibia’s Environmental Commissioner, Timoteus Mufeti, says findings from an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) study into the proposed in-situ leach (ISL) uranium mining method for the Headspring Investments project in the Omaheke Region will inform whether government grants an environmental clearance certificate for the project.
Government hosted an Independent Technical Review Mission by the IAEA from 9 to 13 February 2026 to assess the proposed ISL mining method, which is being considered for the project’s planned pilot phase.
Headspring Investments, a subsidiary of Uranium One under Russia’s Rosatom Group, previously conducted prospecting activities and has indicated its intention to proceed with drilling and testing wells using the ISL method as preparations advance.
Mufeti said the government sought independent international expertise amid concerns over potential environmental and public health risks associated with the proposed mining technique.
“Given concerns regarding potential groundwater, public health and environmental impacts, particularly within the Stampriet Transboundary Aquifer System, the government sought independent, internationally recognised expertise before considering any further authorisations,” he said.
He added that the assessment, expected to be completed between early and mid-March, will guide the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism’s decision on whether to issue an environmental clearance certificate.
According to Mufeti, the IAEA expert mission was granted full access to technical documentation and geological exploration data during the review process.
“The IAEA technical expert team assessed environmental protection measures, groundwater management, public health and radiation safeguards, as well as regulatory oversight frameworks, to provide independent, science-based evidence to inform the government’s decision-making,” he said.
The ISL mining method involves circulating a solution through underground uranium-bearing ore bodies to dissolve the mineral, which is then pumped to the surface for processing.
Consultations during the mission included officials from the Ministries of Environment, Mines and Energy, Health, and Agriculture, as well as regional leadership, traditional authorities, agricultural stakeholders and civil society organisations.
The mission commenced with a high-level briefing chaired by Prime Minister Dr Tjitunga Ngurare.
Mufeti said the IAEA will submit a technical report that will undergo further inter-ministerial review before government determines the way forward.
“The IAEA will submit a technical report, which will undergo further inter-ministerial review before the government determines the way forward. No final decision has been taken at this stage,” he said.
