SAUMA Demands Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Transparency From Namibia

• The Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (SAUMA) is demanding full transparency and accountability from the Namibian government regarding the Wings Uranium project.
• SAUMA opposes in-situ leach uranium extraction in the Stampriet Artesian Basin, citing risks of groundwater contamination to communities and agriculture.
• The association seeks the public release of Headspring Investments' authorization, an International Atomic Energy Agency report, baseline water data, and aquifer assessments.
• SAUMA calls for independent scientific scrutiny, clear enforcement, and public participation before any pilot uranium extraction decisions are made.
• The organization has requested an immediate halt to new drilling activities and a moratorium on chemical injection or pilot uranium recovery until groundwater safety concerns are resolved.

The association has repeatedly warned that potential groundwater contamination from such activities could lead to severe and long-lasting consequences for the communities, agricultural sectors, and overall livelihoods that are intrinsically linked to this shared water resource.

The Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (SAUMA) has publicly demanded full transparency and accountability from the Namibian government. This urgent call follows the government's recent decision to authorize additional research boreholes for the proposed Wings Uranium project, spearheaded by Headspring Investments. SAUMA's statement, released yesterday, underscores a critical concern for the protection of groundwater within the Stampriet Artesian Basin.

Headspring Investments had previously issued an announcement on November 3, 2026, clarifying that the initial research phase would not involve the use of chemical reagents. The company also indicated its intention to submit a revised application for pilot testing at a later stage. However, SAUMA has firmly asserted that this announcement does not constitute an approval for chemical leaching, nor does it definitively demonstrate the safety of the proposed uranium extraction method for the vital aquifer.

SAUMA maintains its strong opposition to the in-situ leach (ISL) uranium extraction method within the Stampriet Artesian Basin. The association has repeatedly warned that potential groundwater contamination from such activities could lead to severe and long-lasting consequences for the communities, agricultural sectors, and overall livelihoods that are intrinsically linked to this shared water resource. The integrity of the Stampriet Artesian Basin groundwater protection is paramount for the region's sustainability.

The concerns extend beyond national borders, as the Stampriet Aquifer is a cross-border aquifer impacting Botswana and South Africa. This shared nature necessitates careful consideration of any project that could affect its quality or quantity, highlighting the need for international consultation and cooperation in line with Namibia uranium mining regulations.

In its pursuit of SAUMA Stampriet Aquifer uranium transparency, the association has specifically urged the government to release the complete authorization granted to Headspring Investments. This includes details such as the issuing authority, the specific conditions attached, the duration of the authorization, and the exact activities covered. Furthermore, SAUMA seeks clear confirmation on whether any separate approval has been granted for pilot extraction or the injection of chemicals.

SAUMA is also demanding the public release of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) mission report and its associated recommendations concerning Namibia. Alongside this, the association requests access to baseline water-quality data, comprehensive aquifer assessments, and detailed groundwater protection measures. They emphasize the necessity of independent scientific scrutiny, the establishment of clear enforcement mechanisms, and meaningful public participation before any final decision is made regarding pilot uranium extraction.

Pending the release of all requested information and an independent assessment of the proposed safeguards, SAUMA has called for an immediate halt to the newly announced drilling activities. The association has also strongly advised the government against authorizing any chemical injection or pilot uranium recovery operations while significant concerns regarding groundwater safety remain unresolved. These in-situ leach uranium extraction concerns are central to their advocacy.

To address these pressing issues, SAUMA has formally requested an urgent meeting with the responsible ministries and representatives from the affected communities. They are also seeking a clear and definitive timeline for the publication of all the requested information, aiming to ensure robust due diligence and public engagement strategies are in place.

Lawyers advising mining companies in Namibia, particularly those involved in uranium extraction, should note the heightened public and regulatory scrutiny regarding environmental impact assessments, permitting transparency, and cross-border water resource management. Compliance officers must ensure robust due diligence and public engagement strategies are in place to mitigate legal and reputational risks associated with projects impacting shared aquifers.

Source: Original reporting via New Era