Namibia halts Russia's uranium hunt amid water safety concerns

In Namibia, the ongoing efforts of the Russian nuclear energy company Rosatom to drill for uranium have sparked significant controversy. The Namibian government cancelled Rosatom's drilling permits in November 2021 due to the company's failure to comply with licensing terms. As the country grapples with water scarcity, farmers in the area express concerns about potential contamination of local aquifers, critical for their livelihoods. In 2023, representatives from Rosatom invited key Namibian officials to Russia for a sponsored event, raising questions about the influence these trips might have on Namibian policy. Local communities fear the impacts of uranium mining on both their health and the environment, especially given the rising cancer rates mentioned by Minister Kalumbi Shangula. In response, Rosatom has made community investments, including a feeding project at a local school, but skepticism remains regarding their intentions. The situation highlights the tension between economic development and environmental protection, showcasing the global competition for uranium sources and the potential implications for energy supply chains worldwide.