Uranium One is set to embark on comprehensive water testing in Namibia in 2024 as part of its exploration activities.
Director of Mines at Uranium One and Headspring Investment Kirill Egorov-Kirillov said the primary goal is to acquire necessary permits and assess the natural levels of radioactive materials in groundwater within their licensed areas.
Egorov-Kirillov emphasised the company’s dedication to collaborating closely with local communities and the Namibian government to ensure equitable sharing of benefits derived from uranium mining, thereby contributing to long-term prosperity and sustainable development.
“We expect to obtain all necessary permits to conduct a field test, as well as to carry out work to determine the area of natural radionuclide contamination of groundwater in the licensed areas,” stated Egorov-Kirillov.
This comes after Uranium One, responding to recent changes in Namibia’s water management laws, has withdrawn its application for a judicial review of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform’s refusal to grant exploratory drilling water permits.
“We are also open to dialog and continue to consult with all stakeholders to clarify any issues related to the project and reach mutual understanding. We are confident that the company will be given a fair opportunity to conduct field trials that will confirm the safety of the extraction method, particularly in relation to underground water sources vital to local communities,” he said.
He added that Uranium One’s commitment extends beyond mere extraction operations; the company actively engages in community development initiatives aimed at enhancing local education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
This includes robust recruitment and training programmes, support for local entrepreneurship, and environmental conservation efforts to safeguard ecosystems and wildlife resources.
In addressing the status of acquiring permits for the project, Egorov-Kirillov affirmed the company’s adherence to Namibian regulations. Despite recent legislative changes, Uranium One remains steadfast in its pursuit of compliance and transparency.
“We are operating strictly within Namibian law. We are confident that the company will be given a fair opportunity to conduct field trials that will confirm the safety of the extraction method,” Egorov-Kirillov asserted.
When questioned about strategies to monitor, Egorov-Kirillov highlighted Uranium One’s proactive approach.
The company leverages its extensive experience in uranium mining to collaborate with relevant agencies and organisations, ensuring adherence to stringent environmental standards to mitigate environmental impacts.
“We draw on our extensive experience with uranium mining projects and a wide range of experience in dealing with agencies and organisations working in this field. Our operating facilities are subject to ongoing sampling by independent participants, with results made publicly available,” he explained.
In 2023, Uranium One received an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) for its field laboratory, underscoring its commitment to environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance.
Egorov-Kirillov emphasised the significance of this certification in streamlining project operations while fostering community engagement and economic empowerment.
“Obtaining an ECC for our laboratory once again shows a high level of confidence in our company on the part of the regulatory authorities. This is a step towards creating new jobs and providing training opportunities for local residents,” he noted.
