Leonardville in Namibia’s Kalahari region finds itself at the crossroads as uranium mining expansion meets environmental protection.
At a Glance
- Rosatom seeks to expand uranium mining in Leonardville, Namibia.
- The project risks contaminating a crucial aquifer.
- Local farmers fear impacts on agriculture due to water scarcity.
- The Namibian government canceled Rosatom’s drilling permits in 2021.
- Namibia’s upcoming elections may decide the project’s fate.
Plight of Leonardville’s Water Crisis
Leonardville, located in Namibia’s Kalahari region, faces significant water scarcity problems that have impacted local agriculture. The discovery of substantial uranium deposits, however, has captured the attention of Rosatom, a Russian energy giant eager to tap into these resources since Namibia lifted its ban on uranium mining in 2017.
The aquifer beneath Leonardville is vital to tens of thousands of people, spanning Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. Rosatom’s proposed “in situ” mining method, injecting sulfuric acid into groundwater, raised environmental concerns and local residents are worried that the activities of Rosatom subsidiary Headspring Investments “could endanger the groundwater in Namibia, South Africa and Botswana.”
Economic Promises Versus Environmental Concerns
While some in Leonardville hope for economic benefits, critics argue that Rosatom’s plans carry significant risks. The Namibian government canceled Rosatom’s permits in 2021 due to non-compliance, and Calle Schlettwein, Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, said, “The permits that we’d given had conditions…no risk to the aquifer.”
With high poverty rates and unemployment in the Omaheke region, some residents nevertheless favor the mine for its potential economic impact, suggesting it could create 600 jobs and attract a $55 million investment.
Government Stance and Future Prospects
Faced with divided opinions, the Namibian government remains cautious about the mining initiative. The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform opposes Rosatom’s project based on water safety risks. At the core of the debate is whether Namibia will prioritize newfound economic prospects over preserving essential natural resources.
Namibia is a key uranium producer, and Rosatom’s involvement aims to bolster Russian influence in the nuclear industry. However, the in-situ mining method’s novelty in Africa is a major concern. “Because it is a fairly new way in Africa, there is [currently] no such mine,” Rosatom spokesperson Riaan Van Rooyen said.
