Uranium Policy & Safety Navigator

Comprehensive guide to Namibia's uranium mining regulations, safety standards, and best practices for workers, communities, and stakeholders.

Key Legislation

Atomic Energy Act (2005)
Governs all activities related to atomic energy and radioactive materials in Namibia, including uranium mining and radiation protection.
Act No. 5 of 2005
Minerals Act (1992)
Regulates mineral rights, licensing, and mining operations in Namibia, including provisions specific to uranium.
Act No. 33 of 1992
Environmental Management Act (2007)
Provides for sustainable environmental management, including requirements for environmental impact assessments for uranium mines.
Act No. 7 of 2007
Labour Act (2007)
Includes provisions for worker safety and health, particularly relevant for uranium mining operations.
Act No. 11 of 2007

Safety Standards

Radiation Protection

Worker exposure must not exceed 20 mSv/year averaged over 5 years (100 mSv in 5 years), with no more than 50 mSv in any single year.

Personal Protective Equipment

All workers in radiation areas must wear dosimeters, respirators when needed, and appropriate protective clothing.

Water Management

Mines must monitor groundwater and surface water for uranium and other contaminants, with strict discharge limits.

Tailings Management

Radioactive tailings must be stored in engineered facilities with liners, leak detection, and long-term stability plans.

Regulatory Framework

Uranium Mining Licensing Process

Namibia has a structured licensing regime for uranium mining under the Minerals Act and Atomic Energy Act:

Initial permit allowing geological surveys and sampling. Requires:

  • Environmental clearance
  • Radiation protection plan
  • Landowner consent
  • 15% Namibian equity (for uranium)

Required for commercial extraction. Additional requirements:

  • Detailed EIA and EMP
  • Radiation management plan approved by Radiation Protection Authority
  • Proof of financial capacity
  • Minimum 5% royalty to government
  • State equity participation through Epangelo Mining

Required for uranium exports under the Atomic Energy Act:

  • Valid mining license
  • Non-proliferation assurances
  • End-user certificates
  • Transport security plan
Note: Uranium is classified as a "strategic mineral" in Namibia, requiring additional approvals and state participation.

Environmental Regulations

Namibia's uranium mines must comply with comprehensive environmental regulations:

Strategic Environmental Management Plan (SEMP)

The SEMP for the central uranium mining region tracks 12 key environmental indicators, including:

  • Groundwater levels and quality
  • Radiation levels in air, water, and soil
  • Dust emissions
  • Biodiversity impacts
  • Waste management
Key Requirements:
  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Required before any mining activity
  • Environmental Management Plan (EMP): Must be approved and implemented
  • Financial Provision: For rehabilitation and closure
  • Annual Reporting: On all environmental indicators
  • Tailings Management: Engineered facilities with long-term stability

Radiation & Occupational Safety

Uranium mining in Namibia follows strict radiation protection standards based on IAEA guidelines:

Worker Protection
  • Annual radiation dose limit of 20 mSv (5-year average)
  • Regular health monitoring
  • Mandatory PPE and dosimeters
  • Radiation safety training
  • Controlled access zones
Public Protection
  • 1 mSv/year dose limit for public
  • Monitoring of surrounding environment
  • Public disclosure of radiation data
  • Emergency response plans
  • Community radiation awareness programs
Rössing Radiation Management

Rössing Uranium's radiation protection program includes:

  • Real-time radiation monitoring
  • Strict zoning (controlled, supervised, free)
  • Airborne dust suppression
  • Comprehensive worker training
  • Annual average worker dose of 5 mSv (well below limit)

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

Namibian law requires uranium mines to engage with local communities and stakeholders:

Key Requirements:
  • Public Participation: In EIA process
  • Local Employment: Preference for local hires
  • Local Procurement: Minimum targets for local goods/services
  • Community Development: Investment in local projects
  • Grievance Mechanisms: For community concerns
Husab Mine Community Benefits

The Husab uranium mine (Swakop Uranium) has implemented:

  • 90% Namibian workforce (over 1,500 jobs)
  • N$1.2 billion spent on local procurement annually
  • Education and health initiatives in Arandis and Swakopmund
  • Skills development programs
  • Stakeholder committee for ongoing engagement

Regulatory Agencies

Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME)

Primary regulator for mining activities, issues mining licenses, and oversees mineral rights.

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Radiation Protection Authority (RPA)

Regulates all radiation-related activities, including uranium mining and transport.

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Ministry of Environment & Tourism (MET)

Oversees environmental regulations, EIAs, and environmental compliance.

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International Standards

Namibia follows these international standards:
  • IAEA Safety Standards: For radiation protection and nuclear safety
  • World Nuclear Association: Principles for uranium stewardship
  • International Labour Organization (ILO): For worker health and safety
  • Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI): For revenue transparency
  • UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Aligned with national development
Key International Agreements:
  • Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): For peaceful use of nuclear energy
  • Joint Convention on Nuclear Safety: For safe management of radioactive waste
  • African Mining Vision: For sustainable mineral development
  • SADC Protocol on Mining: For regional cooperation