Explainer: In-situ mining and the recent report
Headspring Investments proposes to use in-situ leach mining for uranium near Leonardville in the Omaheke region. This process involves pumping a chemical solution underground to dissolve uranium and then pumping it back out. This specific mining method has never been used in Namibia. There are concerns that the uranium and chemicals could contaminate local groundwater. The Namibian government requested a review of the project from technical experts at the International Atomic Energy Agency.
What is in-situ leach uranium mining? A company called Headspring Investments wants to mine for uranium near Leonardville in the Omaheke region. The company’s proposal is to pump a chemical solution deep underground to dissolve the uranium. They then pump the solution containing uranium back out. This method has not been used in Namibia before. There have been concerns that the chemical solutions and uranium could contaminate the groundwater in Omaheke. What report was released to the public this week? The Namibian government asked technical experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to review the uranium project, including the