Uranium One gets ECC

Jemima Beukes
The environment ministry has issued an environmental clearance certificate (ECC) to Headspring Investments, the operating company of the Uranium One Group in Namibia, for the establishment of a field laboratory.

This is to be established on farm Tripoli, about 15 kilometres outside Leonardville in the Omaheke Region, where the company conducts its primary field operations.

Uranium One is a Russian state-owned entity, known for uranium exploration, mining and processing.

According to an environmental impact analysis (EIA) produced by the company early this year, the laboratory will be used to confirm exploration drilling results, therefore ensuring prompt analyses.

The laboratory will reportedly be installed on a 20-metre by 20-metre concrete slab and the installation process will involve land preparation and minor construction.

According to Uranium One mining director Kirill Egorov-Kirillov, the company meticulously followed all required processes concerning the EIA.

The issuance of the ECC underscores its commitment to adhering to all of Namibia's environmental laws, rules and regulations, he said.

"I want to thank everyone who was involved in the process to obtain this ECC, and I also want to thank the relevant ministry for demonstrating their trust in us and our commitment to compliance with the country's laws and regulations," Egorov-Kirillov said.

Streamlining process

The ECC was granted in accordance with the Environmental Management Act and the environmental impact assessment regulations.

It is valid until October 2026.

Egorov-Kirillov highlighted the significance of having a field laboratory for Uranium One, emphasising that it would streamline the examination of core samples and the determination of the uranium ore body's location and grade. This will result in much faster results compared to sending samples elsewhere for analysis, expediting various processes.

"Not only do we remain committed to the safety of our employees and the communities, but we also remain committed to the upliftment of the communities we operate in. The issuance of this ECC is a very positive step in the right direction for us.

"It should also give hope to those communities looking forward to the benefits that will be derived from the envisaged mining operation," he said.

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-14

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