Areva looking to build road

FRENCH miner Areva Resources Namibia intends to build a 35-km road from Arandis to its Trekkopje Uranium Mine.

A public meeting will be held at Arandis on June 17 as part of the first phase of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Turgis Mining Consultants, which is facilitating the EIA process, revealed that the proposed tar road will be about 7,6-m wide, with 1,5-m gravel shoulders on either side.
Each lane will be about 3,5m wide. Pipes and culverts will also be used where the road intersects drainage lines and washes.
A construction camp for about 250 people, including engineers, machine operators, and builders will be required during the construction.
Various types and sizes of earthmoving and construction equipment will also be accommodated at the camp. The construction period is expected to last about two years.
Pits may be required for additional fill material. The location of these pits will be scrutinised to ensure they have the least possible environmental impact. The main source of crushed stone for the road will apparently be the mine quarry. Foreseeable concerns include possible damage to endangered and protected animals and sensitive ecosystems; increased opportunity for poaching; interference with game migration routes; loss of use of conservancy and communal land while the road is in operation; and loss of land-use by the //Gaingu Conservancy.
This will be covered during the assessment phase of the EIA. The proposed route will be subjected to detailed specialist studies to ensure that environmental and social impacts are avoided or mitigated.
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism will regulate the road-building process.