Namibia's aquifer system under siege
Plans to mine uranium in the Stampriet Transboundary Aquifer System near Leonardville remain highly contested, with experts warning that the proposed in-situ extraction project could cause irreversible contamination of one of Namibia’s most important sources of drinking water.The project is being advanced by Russian state-owned Uranium One, through its subsidiary Headspring Investments. According to the Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (SAUMA), the process would involve pumping chemicals into the aquifer to dissolve uranium, before bringing the ore-laden solution back to the surface.
While the mining industry promotes the method as efficient, critics caution that it risks contaminating drinking water with uranium levels up to 10 000 times higher than the limits recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
During a recent meeting with Headspring Investments, Tobie Aupindi, chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources, and the governor of Omaheke Region, Aupindi voiced frustration at the slow pace of decision-making around Uranium One. He argued that Namibia could not afford to leave major investors uncertain and dismissed opposition to the project as “scientifically unfounded.”
“This is a multi-billion-dollar opportunity that we cannot sabotage or waste simply because people have different opinions,” Aupindi said, calling for a balance between economic growth, job creation, and environmental protection.
SAUMA strongly rejected his remarks, stressing that extensive scientific evidence points to severe risks.
Since 2021, the association has repeatedly presented findings at public meetings, highlighting health and safety dangers. It cited more than 100 international studies that document the hazards of in-situ uranium mining, describing the project as an “impending catastrophe” for Namibia.
The association further criticised the lack of follow-through on recommendations from UNESCO and the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM), including the need for an independent water flow study. It also supported the government’s decision to revoke Uranium One’s drilling permits, citing the company’s failure to comply with key requirements.
“The idea that mining and agriculture can coexist in harmony is presented in tempting colours. But what remains of this vision when pollution and contamination threaten agriculture - the backbone of employment for more than 70% of Namibians?” SAUMA asked.
The group warned that risks to the aquifer could have far-reaching consequences for agriculture, tourism, exports, jobs, food production, livelihoods and the broader environment.