Headspring mining tour illuminates complexities of sustainable practices

A group of MBA students from the University of Namibia (Unam) recently explored the mining industry, visiting Headspring Investments, situated close to Leonardville in the Omaheke Region.

The trip took the students beyond observing to critically engage with the complex interplay between economic development and environmental stewardship. Their journey through the operational realities of an envisaged in-situ recovery (ISR) mine provided first-hand insights into the challenges and opportunities that define sustainable mining practices compared to ISR, a new mining method to Namibia.

According to a statement, “established uranium mining methods encompass open-pit mining and underground mining. Notably, ISR stands out due to its environmental friendliness, efficient extraction and cost-effectiveness and unlocks the potential of extracting uranium from previously challenging low-grade sandstone-hosted deposits, presenting new opportunities for uranium mining".

The field trip was led by Dr Marius Johannes, who explained that it aimed to deepen students’ understanding of the governance issues surrounding mining operations, and preparing these future leaders not only as entrepreneurs, but to reshape them around sustainability principles.

At the heart of the visit was a comprehensive tour facilitated by Headspring operations director Aldo Hengari, who emphasised the technological and strategic efforts made to minimise environmental impacts.

“Our commitment goes beyond compliance. It’s about integrating sustainable methods into every facet of our operations,” said Hengari. Students engaged in spirited discussions on waste management and the socio-economic benefits for local communities. The students were in agreement that the visit clarified the practical challenges of implementing sustainable practices in environments that are as demanding as they are fragile, the statement read.

The tour also highlighted the project’s strategies for community engagement and local development, and allowed students to learn about initiatives aimed at improving local infrastructure and providing education opportunities to gain community support.



Long-term risks

However, there were concerns raised about the long-term environmental risks associated with mining, such as groundwater contamination and ecological disruption. Hengari acknowledged these challenges, pointing to ongoing efforts to get approval for the pilot test mining, crucial in providing real-time data on environmental impact and further hydrological studies of the area.

He stressed that this will guide the company on which mitigation techniques will also be used in order to improve the project’s environmental management systems, should it reach mining operation.

The students said the experience bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, highlighting the nuanced realities of the mining sector in Namibia. They also emphasised the importance of such field visits in educating responsible business leaders eager to tackle modern-day pressing issues.

Unam is actively enhancing its curriculum by integrating practical experiences to better prepare graduates for the challenges of modern business and sustainability.

Eradius Mwaetako, a student with extensive experience in mining, highlighted that the project serves not only as a uranium source, but also as a commitment to the community, emphasising the importance of balancing data and decision-making.