Headspring Investments expresses concerns over the “High-Level Expert Feedback Meeting regarding Uranium Mining Impacts in the Stampriet Artesian Basin” with no experts on ISR mining present.
Open Letter to the Members of Cabinet, Members of Parliament, Standing Committees, Regional Governors, Councillors, Traditional Authorities, and the Namibian Public
Dear Esteemed Members,
Headspring Investments would like to express our appreciation for the initiative taken by the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform in organizing the “High-Level Expert Feedback Meeting regarding Uranium Mining Impacts in the Stampriet Artesian Basin” scheduled for 17 June. We commend the Minister’s efforts to bring together relevant stakeholders for what we hope will be the first of many consultations on this critical issue. We value the opportunity to share our expertise and insights on In-Situ Recovery (ISR) mining, as well as our comprehensive data on the Stampriet Water Basin.
The meeting, set to be held in Mariental, will be attended by distinguished guests such as Dr. Alexandros Makarigakis, UNESCO Regional Director and Representative a.i. for Eastern Africa, and Ms. Nisha, UNESCO Regional Director for Southern Africa. While we respect and appreciate their contributions, we note with concern that it seems as if neither of these esteemed guests might be experts in the ISR method of mining.
It is evident from the meeting agenda that no international expert on ISR will be present. This is particularly disappointing given that the Minister had assured Parliament in February this year that he would seek the involvement of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to send ISR experts to Namibia to evaluate Headspring Investments’ “Project Wings.” The Minister stated: “We have engaged UNESCO and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to provide such advice from the independent expert and plans are at an advanced stage to bring them over to Namibia.”
Globally, it is well-known that ISR expertise resides within the IAEA. However, there is no evidence that the Minister has reached out to the IAEA to request an ISR expert’s evaluation of “Project Wings.” Should such correspondence exist, we respectfully request that the Minister provide Headspring Investments and the public with this proof.
Hence, Headspring Investment is not confident that the deliberations on 17 June will be led by science, but that issues will be emotionally driven, according to minutes of SAUMA as far back as 15 June 2022, under a point labelled “Public Eye” the third point, states bluntly: “Recognition that emotion is driving the issue”.
We urge the Minister and all involved to ensure that the upcoming discussions are led by scientific evidence and expert knowledge. An objective and thorough assessment of our operations is crucial for demonstrating our commitment to environmental protection and ensuring a safe and sustainable future for all stakeholders.
