Can Namibia Benefit From Uranium?

The introduction of nuclear technologies could allow Namibia to make an economic leap in a short time. However, this leap requires intensified uranium mining using modern technologies, an area where Namibia’s potential shines brightly.

Namibia’s uranium mines are capable of providing 10% of the world’s production of this raw material. Thanks to this, according to the World Nuclear Association, the country secured second place among global leaders in uranium production in 2023. Despite this vast reserve of environmentally friendly raw materials for electricity generation, Namibia currently covers up to 50% of its electricity needs through imports from South Africa. This problem, however, has a viable solution.

Global energy experts acknowledge the strategic importance of uranium in the transition to clean energy. As Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency emphasised that countries wish to retain and improve the nuclear option for the future because it is free of carbon dioxide emissions. The potential for Namibia to contribute significantly to the world’s clean energy goals is evident, but this potential remains largely untapped.

Namibia’s current economic position is better than that of many African countries. The World Economic Forum classifies it as an upper-middle-income country. According to the latest available data, Namibia’s GDP per capita was $4,483.28 in 2022, only 35% of the world average. This figure was $5,542 a decade earlier, according to FocusEconomics. Real GDP growth increased from 3.5% in 2021 to 4.6% in 2022, driven by global demand for diamonds and uranium. Finance Minister Iipumbu Shiimi noted that “the strong growth is anchored by upbeat activities in the natural resources sector, including the surge in uranium production following price increases.” However, Shiimi also highlighted that the projected acceleration in GDP growth would not fully resolve Namibia’s persistent challenges, such as high unemployment, poverty, and income inequality.

The situation could change with industrial development and increased investment in mining, Namibia’s leading economic sector, which annually provides about 10% of the country’s GDP. John Ritch, former Director General of the World Nuclear Association, stated that vast reserves of uranium mined in reliable supplier countries can power the economy “on an unlimited scale.” With uranium prices having risen by 65% since early 2023, the nuclear industry stands to benefit from the growing demand for this vital resource.

Recently, the United States and 20 other countries announced plans to triple their nuclear capacity by 2050. China leads the world in nuclear energy, currently building 22 of the world’s 58 reactors, while Japan has continued to develop its reactor construction projects. The implications for Namibia are clear: the demand for uranium will steadily increase, offering the country a unique opportunity to leverage its resources.

Namibia’s political leadership views the expansion of raw material exports, including uranium, as a strategic priority. Additionally, it is pursuing a policy of attracting investment in the mining sector, which could create additional employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in Namibia. To fully realise these opportunities, Namibia must not only mine uranium but also improve its quality, reduce production costs, and guarantee the safety of the process. Uranium mining involves extracting ore from the ground and then processing it. The most common methods are open and underground mining. However, the most modern, environmentally friendly, and safe method of extraction is in-situ recovery (ISR).

ISR involves the injection of a special solution into the ore deposit through wells, dissolving uranium directly underground, and extracting it for processing. This technique is considered environmentally friendly and minimises the impact on groundwater. The method has already proved to be efficient and safe in countries such as Russia, where it has been implemented in enterprises like Dalur (Kurgan Region) and Khiagda (Republic of Buryatia).

Namibia could implement advanced ISR technologies, leveraging “smart mine” systems to enhance efficiency and ensure environmental safety. These systems use state-of-the-art digital tools to optimise every stage of the ISR process. Real-time monitoring is conducted through a network of sensors installed in wells, which track solution composition, flow rates, and underground conditions. Advanced machine learning algorithms analyse this data to predict potential issues before they arise, enabling proactive adjustments to operations.

For example, digital monitoring minimises the risk of reagent leaks by providing precise control over the flow of solutions and detecting any abnormalities instantly. Automated alerts ensure that operators can respond to issues swiftly, preventing contamination of groundwater. Furthermore, smart mine systems include detailed hydrological modeling, allowing operators to map underground water flows and predict interactions between extraction solutions and surrounding geological formations. This ensures that water quality is maintained and environmental disruptions are minimised.

In Russia, these systems have proven invaluable in reducing human error, improving efficiency, and enhancing environmental compliance. By applying such innovative approaches, Namibia could set new standards for sustainable mining in Africa. The integration of smart mine systems would not only protect natural resources but also position Namibia as a global leader in technologically advanced uranium mining practices.

Globally, ISR is used in many regions, accounting for 66% of global uranium production in 2021, according to the World Nuclear Association. Although there has been no such experience on the African continent, Namibia could be the first country to implement this technology, bringing economic benefits and helping preserve the environment.

In conclusion, Namibia is uniquely positioned to benefit from the growing global demand for uranium. By adopting cutting-edge uranium mining technologies and investing in specialised education in nuclear science and engineering, Namibia stands poised to redefine its economic future and emerge as a pioneering force in sustainable energy.

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