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Monday, 8 June 2026
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Monday, 8 June 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

International Atomic Energy Agency

Also known as: IAEA · International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

International body providing independent technical assessments of Namibia's proposed uranium mining projects and nuclear development strategy.

2024-07-302026-06-08
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What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. June 2026

  2. Informanté

    International Atomic Energy Agency conducted an independent expert study of the proposed Stampriet uranium mining project

    Source

    “the director said that it currently awaits an independent report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which conducted an independent expert study following a technical review of the proposed Stampriet uranium in situ leaching (ISL) test mining project in the Omaheke Region.”

    Russian Uranium Miner stuck in limbo pending IAEA findings
  3. March 2026

  4. New Era

    International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducted a technical review mission to evaluate proposed uranium in-situ leach mining in Leonardville area

    Source

    “Wednesday's briefing followed a recent technical review mission by the IAEA to evaluate the proposed uranium in-situ leach mining opportunities in the Leonardville area.”

    Omaheke uranium decision hangs in  balance

  5. Informanté

    International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) hosted by government for Independent Technical Review Mission from 9 to 13 February 2026

    Source

    “He revealed that the government has already hosted an Independent Technical Review Mission by the IAEA from 9 to 13 February 2026 to assess the proposed project.”

    No final decision yet on Leonardville uranium in-situ leach mining project

  6. The Namibian

    International Atomic Energy Agency issued a report stating Iran had uranium enriched up to 60% for nine nuclear weapons on 31 May 2025

    Source

    “On 31 May 2025, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued a report in which it stated reported that Iran had enough uranium enriched up to 60% for the production of nine nuclear weapons.”

    War and the price of fuel in Namibia
  7. February 2026

  8. The Namibian

    International Atomic Energy Agency is providing technical assistance to Namibia for assessing environmental impact of proposed uranium mining

    Source

    “The government has, therefore, requested technical assistance from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who visited Namibia earlier this month and will provide a report to the government in March.”

    Decision on Omaheke uranium mining will be based on science – government

  9. The Namibian

    International Atomic Energy Agency director general Rafael Grossi was present at the ceremony to mark the start of the project

    Source

    “International Atomic Energy Agency director general Rafael Grossi, Hungarian minister of foreign affairs and trade Peter Szijjarto and Rosatom director general Alexey Likhachev were all present at the ceremony.”

    Hungary pours first concrete for EU’s first VVER-1200 nuclear plant at Paks II

  10. The Namibian

    International Atomic Energy Agency is expected to conduct ImPACT Mission with World Health Organisation this week

    Source

    “In addition, this week we expect to receive the International Atomic Energy Agency and World Health Organisation ImPACT Mission, the Integrated Mission of the Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy, to support Namibia in strengthening comprehensive cancer control capacities.”

    Esperance Luvindao accepts cancer donation at Windhoek Central Hospital
  11. January 2026

  12. New Era

    Namibian officials emphasised compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency standards for nuclear cooperation

    Source

    “Namibian officials have been emphatic that any nuclear cooperation will comply fully with International Atomic Energy Agency standards.”

    Business Editorial – “Nostalgia is not strategy”
Mining & Energy

Rosatom seeks uranium mining approval pending IAEA report

The News

Russian state-owned Rosatom, through subsidiary Headspring Investments, claims groundwater in the Stampriet Basin already contains uranium at levels approximately 300 times higher than WHO drinking water guidelines. The company awaits an independent IAEA report on its proposed in situ leaching uranium mining project in Omaheke Region, which the Namibian government has received and Cabinet is reviewing.

Why it matters

Rosatom's uranium mining proposal in Stampriet poses major environmental and regulatory questions as Cabinet reviews an IAEA assessment with long-term implications for Namibia.

2 June 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 2 June

  1. Rosatom seeks uranium mining approval pending IAEA report

    Russian state-owned Rosatom, through subsidiary Headspring Investments, claims groundwater in the Stampriet Basin already contains uranium at levels approximately 300 times higher than WHO drinking water guidelines. The company awaits an independent IAEA report on its proposed in situ leaching uranium mining project in Omaheke Region, which the Namibian government has received and Cabinet is reviewing.

    2 June 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 26 May

  1. Namibian delegation visits Russian uranium mine to study extraction methods

    A delegation of Namibian farmers, a journalist, and employees from Headspring Investments visited the Dalur in-situ uranium mine in Russia to learn about its operations and extraction methods. The mine uses in-situ leaching, which dissolves uranium underground and pumps it to the surface, avoiding open-pit mining, tunnelling, and tailings ponds.

    26 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 30 April

  1. Reappointed Atomic Energy Board to review laws and assess nuclear projects

    Namibia's Atomic Energy Board, chaired by Shitaleni Herman and appointed for a three-year term, will focus on reviewing legislation, strengthening technical capacity, and assessing projects as the country implements its Cabinet-approved Nuclear Industry Strategy. The strategy is now part of the sixth National Development Plan, the first time nuclear development has been included at that level.

    30 April 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Saturday 28 March

  1. SAUMA warns uranium ISL mining threatens Stampriet aquifer

    The Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association has raised concerns that proposed In Situ Leach uranium mining in the Stampriet Artesian Basin could contaminate critical groundwater resources and threaten the basin's agricultural sector, which generates over N$1.1 billion annually and supports over 13,000 jobs. The organisation argues that ISL mining introduces toxic substances including radionuclides and heavy metals into water systems and has called for greater transparency, scientific scrutiny, and adherence to environmental regulations before any mining decisions are made.

    28 March 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 8 March

  1. Parliament backs Russian uranium mining near Stampriet aquifer

    The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources has endorsed the continuation of uranium mining by Headspring Investments, a subsidiary of Russian state-owned Rosatom, in the Leonardville area despite environmental concerns about contamination of the Stampriet aquifer. The committee chair argues that uranium is a natural resource already present in the area and that In-Situ Recovery technology, refined over 50 years, should be allowed to proceed to acquire scientific knowledge and enable Namibia to develop its nuclear industry.

    8 March 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 7 March

  1. Macky Sall becomes Africa's UN secretary general candidate

    Former Senegalese president Macky Sall has been nominated as Africa's candidate for the UN secretary general position, which will become vacant on 1 January 2027 when António Guterres's term ends. He is competing against former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet and Argentinian diplomat Rafael Grossi.

    7 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Parliamentary uranium project recommendation sparks heated controversy

    A parliamentary standing committee recommended allowing Rosatom to proceed with uranium exploration and mining in the Stampriet Artesian Basin, arguing the project could help gather scientific data on natural contamination. The recommendation has drawn criticism from former agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein and farming groups, who warn the project could permanently damage the aquifer—Namibia's key drinking water source for the arid south—and lack scientific grounding, while supporters cite potential economic benefits and Rosatom's expertise.

    7 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 5 March

  1. Parliamentary committee endorses Rosatom uranium project in Leonardville

    Namibia's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources has backed uranium exploration by Russian state-owned Rosatom in the Omaheke region, citing potential for billions in investment and thousands of jobs, though the project faces resistance from environmentalists and farmers concerned about groundwater contamination.

    5 March 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 4 March

  1. Omaheke uranium project awaits IAEA assessment before government decision

    The government is seeking an independent technical assessment from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) before deciding on Headspring Investments' application to conduct four-year test mining using in-situ leaching in the Omaheke region. Environmental Commissioner Timoteus Mufeti said the decision will prioritise science-based evaluation of impacts on the Stampriet Transboundary Aquifer System and community rights, with the IAEA's technical report expected to undergo inter-ministerial review before March.

    4 March 2026 · New Era →

Monday 2 March

  1. IAEA assessment underway for Leonardville uranium project

    The Environmental Commissioner confirmed no final decision has been made on the proposed uranium in-situ leach mining project in Leonardville, Omaheke Region. The government is awaiting a technical assessment from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which conducted an independent review mission in February 2026 to evaluate environmental, groundwater, health and safety impacts before the government decides whether to proceed.

    2 March 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 1 March

  1. Global wars drive oil prices affecting Namibia's economy

    Russia's invasion of Ukraine caused Namibian fuel prices to rise 83% between April 2021 and February 2022, driving inflation from 3.1% to 4.8% and forcing interest rate increases that burden households and businesses. Current unrest in Iran and tensions in the Middle East pose similar risks to Namibia's oil-dependent economy, with prolonged price spikes potentially damaging growth.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 26 February

  1. Government says Omaheke uranium decision will rest on science

    Namibia's environment ministry will base its decision on a proposed uranium mining project in Omaheke on scientific findings, not politics, the government said. The project—an in-situ leach mining operation by Headsprings Investments (under Russian state-owned Rosatom)—has raised concerns about contamination of the Stampriet aquifer, which supplies water to the region and neighbouring countries. The government has requested a technical assessment from the International Atomic Energy Agency, which will deliver its report in March.

    26 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 24 February

  1. Headspring ready to act on IAEA uranium mining review

    Headspring Investments says it will implement recommendations from the International Atomic Energy Agency following the agency's technical review of its proposed in-situ recovery uranium mining project in the Omaheke Region earlier this month. The company emphasises that the extraction method is water-efficient and widely used globally, and pledges to install observation wells for real-time monitoring of groundwater safety.

    24 February 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 9 February

  1. Ministry prioritises oncology services expansion to northern Namibia

    Health Minister Esperance Luvindao announced that the Ministry of Health will establish oncology services in Oshakati this year, with three specialist oncologists earmarked for the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital as part of efforts to decentralise cancer care and reduce treatment waiting times to a maximum of six weeks. The Ministry also plans to develop radiotherapy capacity, procure new brachytherapy equipment, and ensure availability of essential chemotherapy medicines.

    9 February 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Hungary begins construction of EU's first VVER-1200 nuclear plant

    Hungary has begun construction of the Paks II nuclear power plant, marking the first facility in the European Union to feature third-generation VVER-1200 reactors. The project, built with Russian technology through Rosatom, received construction permits in November 2025 and represents a strategic development for Hungary's nuclear energy sector.

    9 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 5 February

  1. Health minister accepts cancer donation at Windhoek hospital

    Health Minister Esperance Luvindao accepted a donation from the Ohlthaver & List Group of Companies to support cancer control efforts at Windhoek Central Hospital on International Cancer Day. The ministry is developing a comprehensive National Cancer Control Programme, expanding oncology services to northern regions, and working to detect cancer at earlier stages when treatment is more effective and cost-efficient.

    5 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 4 February

  1. Namibia has only one public sector oncologist

    Health Minister Esperance Luvindao says Namibia has only one specialist oncologist in the public health sector, with six more in private practice, creating long waiting times and late-stage cancer diagnoses. The government is finalising a national cancer control programme and plans to decentralise services to northern regions, while four oncologists are being trained abroad to strengthen public sector capacity.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 26 January

  1. Namibia pursuing nuclear energy to address power shortage

    Dr Kaire Mbuende, Director-General of Namibia's National Planning Commission, said the country cannot ignore nuclear energy generation given its status as Africa's largest uranium producer. He cited energy insecurity—with less than 60% of the population having electricity access and 60% of supply imported—as justification for pursuing nuclear alongside renewables, oil and gas, and small modular reactors, all under an IAEA-compliant national strategy.

    26 January 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 24 January

  1. Namibia pursues nuclear power through global partnerships and strategy

    Namibia is advancing plans to develop nuclear power generation through international partnerships and compliance with global benchmarks, with the National Planning Commission director noting the move aims to diversify the mining sector, reduce electricity imports, and capture greater value from uranium production. The government has approved a National Nuclear Industry Strategy that includes establishing a Nuclear Institute of Namibia and transferring atomic energy administration to the National Planning Commission.

    24 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 23 January

  1. Namibia-Russia ties shift from ideology to economic strategy

    An editorial argues that Namibia's recent ministerial visit to Russia marks a pragmatic shift from historical solidarity to practical economic cooperation, with bilateral trade nearly doubling in 2024 and new opportunities in uranium, agriculture, and value-added manufacturing.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 20 January

  1. Namibia and Russia deepen economic ties with energy cooperation

    Following a Moscow visit by Namibia's International Relations Minister, the two countries are shifting their historic political relationship toward structured economic partnership. Discussions centred on mining, energy, agriculture, and logistics, with particular focus on uranium cooperation through Russia's Rosatom, which plans exploration by 2026 and commercial mining by 2029, while bilateral trade nearly doubled in 2024 to US$11.7 million.

    20 January 2026 · New Era →

International Atomic Energy Agency — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute