Business Reporter
ROSATOM, Russia’s atomic energy agency, which aims to mine Uranium in the Stampriet aquifer area, through its subsidiary- Headspring Investments, has conceded and abandoned a court application filed in March 2023. The application sought to have the agriculture minister review his decision to deny them exploration drilling permits. This decision comes in the wake of significant opposition from farmers who expressed concerns that the company’s proposed mining method, in situ leaching, poses a threat to underground water.
In a press statement, Riaan van Rooyen of Uranium One announced the withdrawal of the case. He cited the implementation of the Water Resources Management Act, Act 11 of 2013 (‘the Act’), on 29 August 2023, by the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform. Despite the act having been in existence since 2013, Van Rooyen explained that it introduced substantial changes to the existing legal framework. Consequently, the company has opted to withdraw the case as a demonstration of its commitment to adhering to the laws of the Republic of Namibia.
Van Rooyen emphasized, “As in the past, Uranium One invites all stakeholders to engage with the company to address any concerns they might have regarding the project. Uranium One is confident that the project will bring significant benefits to the country. The entire process, including exploration, test mining (integral to exploration), and eventual uranium mining, is expected to be absolutely safe, with minimal negative ecological impact.”
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