Technical Assistance on Uranium Mining in Namibia

The mining industry -- including uranium mining -- is critical to the economic prosperity of Namibia, accounting for a significant share of total export earnings on goods and services. The sustainability of the industry is vital to employment, economic development, and the social advancement of the country.

Beginning in September 2007, advisers from the Economic and Legal Section of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Special Advisory Services Division will undertake a review of Namibian law as it relates to uranium mining.

Their efforts will focus on reviewing the country’s current Minerals Act, and advising the Government of Namibia on proposed amendments to existing laws as well as the need for new provisions aimed at ensuring that uranium mining in the Southern African nation incorporates the highest standards in health, environmental protection, and safety.

Namibia is one of the world’s major producers of uranium and revision of the current laws comes at a time when worldwide uranium exploration is at its peak. It is for this reason that the Namibian Government sought the Secretariat’s assistance, as the Economic and Legal Section has done substantial work in this area in other countries.

The goal of both the government and the Secretariat is to create a proper regulatory framework in Namibia that meets the highest standards and will attract further investment in the uranium sector.