Uranium exploration and mining in Namibia
A shortage of uranium for existing and proposed nuclear power utilities around the world was predicted to impact supply around 2010 to 2012. This, as well as the rising costs of fossil fuels and fears of its impact on global warming, has resulted in a resurgence of interest in uranium. This renewed interest in nuclear energy as one of the clean alternative energy sources has been referred to as the ‘nuclear renaissance’ and is not without its controversies. Despite this, there has been a boom in uranium exploration activities worldwide and specifically in Namibia’s Erongo Region. Namibia’s uranium mining also picked up and became the world’s fourth largest producer of uranium in 2008. Production is expected to increase in the near future when the new mines currently being developed at Trekkopje and Valencia by AREVA and Forsysmetals / Westport Resources respectively come on stream to add to Rio Tinto's Rössing Uranium mine and Paladin Energy's Langer Heinrich Uranium mine.
As a developing country, Namibia faces the major challenges of poverty, unemployment, a growing demand for energy, decreased life expectancy, and about 100,000 orphans that need education, health and housing. Namibia must act on these challenges now – and, consequently, it does not have the luxury of keeping its natural mineral resources tucked away in the Namib. Namibia is geared to benefit from its extensive deposits of low-grade uranium and is now regarded as a region of global importance for this energy resource. However, this is no reason for the industry to live by anything but the highest standards of environmental and radiation safety management. Ensuring that, worldwide, Namibia continues to be held in high regard for the manner in which it mines its uranium and the standard of its health and environmental management must be a significant driving force behind all uranium-related activities. Only then will Namibia be able to sustainably sell its uranium on the world market and support its domestic development."
It is clear that exploration and mining activities could have a considerable effect on the natural environment as well as a cumulative impact on water and energy requirements, transportation, housing, schooling, and medical services. The potential migration of job seekers to the Region may also create public health and social issues. On top of these pressures, some of the activity is occurring in the Namib Naukluft Park and the West Coast Recreation Area both of which are sought-after national and international tourist destinations.