By: Moneyweb

Rosatom would like to share its statement on the mentioned facts about its International Mining Division – Uranium One.

The In-Situ Recovery (ISR) method for the uranium mining proposed by Uranium One (Rosatom International Mining Division), to be employed in Omaheke region, Namibia, has proved its safety based on systematic observations around the globe.

Leading international organisations, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), recognise ISR as the most environmentally friendly, efficient and safe method of uranium mining.

Rosatom’s mining division has been using the ISR method to mine uranium in two regions of Russia, namely the Kurgan region and Buryatia.

Kazakhstan, as a world leader in natural uranium production, produced about 40% of the world’s uranium in 2023 using the ISR method alone.

This closed system ensures that no water loss occurs, making it a highly efficient and sustainable process.

Additionally, the process is carefully controlled with computerised techniques in real time to protect surrounding groundwater, ensuring sustainable resource usage.

‘Clever Mine’ platform

The uranium mining envisaged by Uranium One to be employed in Namibia will be based on the computerised technological platform “Clever Mine”. It involves digital control systems allowing precise regulation of the movement of solutions and eliminate the possibility of their mixing with groundwater and contamination of aquifers.

The “Clever Mine” has been implemented and successfully exploit[ed] by Rosatom in its uranium mining assets in Russia for the past 7 years. It is prudent to note that the exploration works in Namibia, have not started with the pilot test mining yet nor mining production. This will be a critical stage to understand the environmental impact of ISR and for Uranium One to put up appropriate best practices mitigation measures in place.

Moreover, bacteria play a major role in the restoration processes transforming chemical compounds to more neutral ones by eating them.

Uranium One is committed to raising awareness of the safety measures and technologies that will be used to build trust with all interested parties. It is extremely important to us that the project meets the needs and expectations of the public and the authorities.

All environmental protection measures are described in detail in the elaborate work project, which is based on thorough research and testing. This document must be considered and approved by all the supervisory authorities before the mine starts its operation.

Uranium One is open to discussing its project in Namibia with all interested parties and is prepared to prove its safety by any means necessary. The company is ready to move towards a full-scale trial and to conduct a comprehensive, objective, expert assessment of the conditions under which the project can proceed.