Uranium One defends in-situ leaching technology - nbc

Summary

A mining subsidiary of the Uranium One group is exploring a uranium-rich area in the Omega region using in-situ leaching (ISR). The proposed technique has drawn protests over fears of groundwater contamination and harm to local ecosystems and communities. Namibian spokesperson Riyan van Rooyen defends the exploration as necessary for thorough study, disputes claims of proven contamination, and points to global ISR examples — including Kazakhstan and a recent U.S. license in Wyoming — to argue the method can meet health standards. Geologist Aldo Hingari notes slow aquifer flow, giving time for remediation, while regional leaders back the project for jobs and development.

Takeaways

• 😀 Headspring, a subsidiary of Uranium One Group, is exploring uranium mining in Namibia's Omega region, known for its uranium-rich deposits.
• 😀 The mining group is using the in-situ leaching technique, which has sparked backlash due to concerns over water contamination, effects on local ecosystems, and human safety.
• 😀 Local spokesperson Riyan van Rooyen stresses that the exploration is still ongoing, and gathering detailed data is crucial for evaluating the mining method.
• 😀 Van Rooyen dismisses allegations that in-situ leaching has caused water contamination, claiming there is no proven evidence of such contamination in Namibia or other areas.
• 😀 He highlights that over 62% of the world’s uranium is mined using in-situ leaching and argues that water quality in mines using this technique meets World Health Organization standards.
• 😀 Van Rooyen refutes claims that only soda water is allowed in in-situ recovery (ISR) methods in the USA, pointing out that sulfuric acid has been used successfully in ISR at certain U.S. sites like StrataMine in Wyoming.
• 😀 Aldo Hingari, a geologist, revealed that underground water in the Stumbrid aquifer moves slowly, at a rate of 3 meters per year, which means any potential contamination could be contained before reaching nearby towns.
• 😀 The town of Leonardville, 15 kilometers away from the mine site, is considered safe from contamination due to the slow movement of the underground water and the mine’s proactive safety measures.
• 😀 Regional leadership, including the mayor of Ganade, has shown public support for the mine, citing its potential to address the high unemployment rate and accelerate regional development.
• 😀 The overall mining process is still under study, with plans to complete the necessary exploration and data collection before making any final decisions regarding the mining method.

Q & A

What is HeadSpring’s Investment and which group does it belong to?

HeadSpring’s Investment is a subsidiary of the Uranium One Group, a company involved in uranium exploration and mining.

Where is HeadSpring’s Investment currently exploring for uranium?

The company is conducting exploration activities in the Omega region, which is known to be rich in uranium deposits.

What mining technique is being proposed for uranium extraction in the Omega region?

The proposed method is the in-situ leaching (ISL) mining technique.

Why have pressure groups raised concerns about the in-situ leaching method?

Pressure groups fear that the method could lead to contamination of underground water, harm to animal and plant life, and potential safety risks to humans.

How has the company responded to the allegations of potential water contamination?

Company spokesperson Riyan van Rooyen has denied the allegations, stating that there are no confirmed cases of contamination caused by in-situ leaching anywhere in the world and that they would welcome factual evidence to the contrary.

What global example did van Rooyen use to defend the safety of in-situ leaching?

He cited Kazakhstan, where some mines using the same method have drinking water and mining operations sharing the same aquifer without contamination.

What percentage of the world’s uranium is extracted through the in-situ leaching method?

Over 62 percent of the world’s uranium is mined using the in-situ leaching method.

What standards does van Rooyen claim the water used in ISL mining meets?

He claims that the water from ISL mining operations meets the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

How did van Rooyen address claims regarding the use of sulfuric acid in the USA’s ISL mining operations?

He stated that the claim that sulfuric acid is banned in fresh water ISL mining in the USA is false, noting that the Strata Mine in Wyoming received a license to use sulfuric acid after proving it can be safely contained.

What did geologist Aldo Hingari reveal about the movement of underground water in the Stampriet aquifer?

He explained that underground water in the Stampriet aquifer moves at about 3 meters per year, allowing ample time for remedial action if any contamination were to occur before reaching the nearest town, Leonardville.

Who among the local leadership has shown public support for the project, and why?

Regional leader Ganade has expressed support for the project, citing its potential to reduce unemployment and accelerate development in the region.

What was the purpose of the Namibian delegation’s visit to Russia and Kazakhstan?

The regional leadership, including Ganade, visited mines in Russia and Kazakhstan to observe how in-situ leaching is implemented in practice.