The Russian state atomic energy corporation Rosatom is seeking permits to extract uranium from the Stampriet Artesian Basin in Namibia by injecting sulphuric acid into the ground. The transboundary aquifer supplies drinking water and irrigation across Namibia, Botswana and South Africa.
Rosatom subsidiary Headspring Investments has already drilled exploration wells near Leonardville as part of its Project Wings proposal. The company plans to use in-situ leaching to dissolve uranium from sandstone deposits and pump the solution to the surface.
Rosatom maintains that the process uses weak chemicals comparable to red wine and that aquifers will self-restore after mining ends. It cites operations in Kazakhstan as evidence of minimal environmental impact.
Namibian geologist Dr Roy Miller and the International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre have warned that the method risks irreversible contamination of the aquifer. They note fractures in the rock and high water pressure could spread pollutants to neighbouring countries.
Namibia cancelled Rosatom’s earlier drilling permits in 2021 after inspectors found violations. Local politician Tobie Aupindi is now urging the government to reissue permits quickly for economic reasons.
