Anton Geinub
The Uranium One Group, a Russian company, is currently in the exploration phase for uranium mining in Leonardville, situated in the Omaheke Region. As the Chairperson of the Leonardville Youth Group and a young breadwinner for my family, I am personally benefiting from the programmes and projects initiated by Uranium One. These initiatives have already brought hope and opportunity to our community, and I am confident that more positive developments are on the horizon.
Empowering Youth Through Education
Recently, Uranium One sent 20 young people from Leonardville to study at the Namibia Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT) in Arandis. This significant step demonstrates the company’s commitment to uplifting the youth and creating a skilled workforce for the future. Many young people are now motivated to pursue education in mining-related fields, with the hope of securing stable employment.
Leonardville is home to many young individuals who have not had the opportunity to complete their secondary or even primary education. Uranium One’s efforts to support vocational and tertiary education offer these young people a second chance at a brighter future. We believe more scholarships and training opportunities will follow, helping to transform our village into a hub of opportunity.
Community Development Initiatives
Uranium One has already made a tangible difference in Leonardville. For example, the company funded the construction of a kitchen at Naosanabis Primary School, ensuring that children receive at least one nutritious meal per day. Additionally, Uranium One provides food for the kitchen, alleviating the burden on struggling families.
At the same school, a gardening project was established, enabling the school to generate income by selling produce to the community while also supporting vulnerable residents through donations. Furthermore, the company is currently renovating the school’s library, with plans to install a modern facility that will provide learners with access to invaluable resources.
These projects are giving our community hope and helping us to envision a future filled with possibility.
Addressing Environmental and Safety Concerns
There has been scepticism and misinformation about uranium mining in Leonardville, particularly regarding environmental safety. However, Uranium One employs a highly developed method known as In-Situ Recovery (ISR), which is both safe and environmentally friendly.
What is ISR?
ISR is a mining technique designed for extracting uranium from permeable sandstone formations. It uses either industrial oxygen or a low concentration of acid or alkaline solution to mobilise uranium without the need for conventional mining methods.
Advantages of ISR
Economic Benefits:
- Lower capital and operational costs
- Viable uranium recovery from low-grade ores
- Reduced labour and power consumption costs
Environmental Advantages:
- Minimal impact on the natural landscape
- No waste rock piles or tailing dumps
- Self-restoration of aquifers
- Reduction of natural radioactivity
Safety Measures:
- Strategic placement of monitoring wells
- 24-hour control and access to real-time geotechnical models
- Comprehensive safety protocols
ISR has been successfully implemented in countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Australia, China, and the USA, proving its reliability and safety.
A Plea for Support
As a young individual living in Leonardville, I strongly urge the government and all stakeholders to fully support Uranium One’s operations in our village. The benefits of this partnership extend beyond Leonardville, positively impacting Omaheke as a region and Namibia as a nation.
We have endured decades of neglect, with inadequate infrastructure, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Uranium One represents a chance for change—a chance to turn Leonardville into a thriving community.
This decision should not be driven by personal gain or political agendas but by the genuine needs of the people. Leonardville deserves a future filled with progress and opportunity, and Uranium One can help us achieve that dream.
Conclusion
Uranium One has already proven its commitment to our community through various projects and initiatives. Let us embrace this opportunity to improve the lives of Leonardville’s residents and pave the way for a better tomorrow. We implore decision-makers to prioritise the needs of our people and allow this partnership to flourish. Together, we can build a brighter future for Leonardville.
Anton Geinub is a 33-year-old educator, community activist, and youth development advocate from Aranos in the Hardap Region, now based in Leonardville, Omaheke Region. He currently serves as chairperson of the Leonardville Youth Group. The views herein are his own.
