Standard set for Namibia’s uranium industry

THE Namibian Chamber of Mines’ Uranium Institute was officially inaugurated in Swakopmund recently, setting a health and environmental standard with respect to uranium exploration and mining in the country.

The institute will strive to safeguard the image of the local uranium industry – and Namibia – as a significant world producer of uranium oxide.According to the President of the Namibian Chamber of Mines, Mike Leech, the institute will provide a common platform to share information and set minimum standards in the responsible management of uranium exploration, mining and processing at all stages.Leading scientist in the field of health radiation, Dr Wotan Swiegers was appointed by the Chamber of Mines as Technical Advisor to champion the process.’I am pleased that we have attained this important milestone in our quest to compliment government’s efforts in ensuring that the Namibian uranium industry complies with the international best practices,’ he said.With Rössing being the only uranium mine in Namibia for the past 35 years, this initiative was never thought of. With more players coming onboard in an environment with not enough regulatory framework, the establishment of such an institute was an important step, he said.’The Uranium Institute is now the leading source of advocating occupational capability, training and research on uranium related issues. With the global move towards clean energy resources such as nuclear, uranium producing countries such as Namibia are inevitably surrounded by questions of health, environmental and radiation safety, waste and non-proliferation,’ said Leech. The successful creation of the Uranium Stewardship Committee with membership of all uranium mines and most uranium exploration companies, with sub-committee to address the various aspect of uranium during the ‘Uranium Rush’ over the past five of years, culminated into the establishment of the Chamber of Mines Uranium Institute.The institute and its associated Information Centre, which is situated near the Cottage Medi-Clinic in Swakopmund is set to provide comprehensive scientific information on all aspects of uranium to all its stakeholders.

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