Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association

Also known as: Sauma · Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (SAUMA)

Organization that opposes uranium mining near the Stampriet Aquifer, citing contamination risks to groundwater and the agricultural sector.

2024-04-222026-11-05

News reports

Order a long-term news report on Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association

Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.

What’s been said

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

November 2026
5 NovWindhoek Observer
The Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (SAUMA) has called for a halt to newly authorised research drilling by Headspring Investments pending publication of authorisation and independent scrutiny
Source
“The Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (SAUMA) has called for a halt to newly authorised research drilling by Headspring Investments for its proposed Wings Uranium project, pending the publication of the authorisation and independent scrutiny of groundwater protection measures.”
SAUMA calls for Wings Uranium drilling to be halted pending disclosure
5 NovNamibian Sun
Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (Sauma) demanded immediate halt to newly authorised uranium research drilling near Leonardville
Source
“The Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (Sauma) has demanded an immediate halt to newly authorised uranium research drilling near Leonardville until the potential risks to...”
Sauma demands halt to Headspring drilling
3 NovWindhoek Observer
Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (SAUMA) released a video claiming miners would pour battery acid into drinking water
Source
“In one of SAUMA's videos, an individual claimed that miners would be pouring "battery acid" directly into the drinking water of the entire region.”
How mining can thrive in a water-sensitive area
April 2026
10 AprNew Era
SAUMA did not initiate many of the programmes uplifting Leonardville families
Source
“Many of the programmes that have uplifted Leonardville families were initiated directly by Headspring Investments, not by other organisations or opposition groups such as SAUMA.”
Opinion – Headspring project’s impact on Leonardville community
March 2026
28 MarInformanté
SAUMA has raised renewed concerns over potential environmental and socio-economic risks linked to proposed ISL uranium mining in the Stampriet Artesian Basin
Source
“THE Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (SAUMA) has raised renewed concerns over the potential environmental and socio-economic risks linked to proposed In Situ Leach (ISL) uranium mining in the Stampriet Artesian Basin, warning that the project could threaten Namibia's critical groundwater resources and agricultural sustainability.”
SAUMA warns of uranium mining threat to Stampriet water
28 MarInformanté
SAUMA criticised lack of engagement from government authorities
Source
“SAUMA also criticised what it described as a lack of engagement from government authorities, adding that repeated requests for consultations with responsible ministers have largely gone unanswered.”
SAUMA warns of uranium mining threat to Stampriet water
8 MarInformanté
Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (SAUMA) opined that In-Situ Leach mining would contaminate the Stampriet aquifer
Source
“This was a result of complaints by an NGO, the Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (SAUMA), which opined that In-Situ Leach (ISL) mining or In-Situ Recovery (ISR) would contaminate the Stampriet aquifer, one of the country's largest underground water sources.”
Parliamentary committee urges continuation of Russian companies mining near Stampriet aquifer
7 MarThe Namibian
Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (Sauma) says it was not consulted during committee's review
Source
“The Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (Sauma), representing farmers and lodge owners, says it was not consulted during the committee's review.”
Rosatom uranium project continues to divide opinion
February 2026
13 FebNew Era
Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (SAUMA) has been vocal pressuring the government and raising alarms about potential water contamination in the Stampriet Transboundary Aquifer
Source
“The lobby group Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (SAUMA) has been vocal, pressuring the government and raising alarms about potential water contamination in the Stampriet Transboundary Aquifer, which supplies water to thousands across Namibia, Botswana and South Africa.”
Opinion – We can’t eternally remain generational farmworkers

Mining & Energy

SAUMA demands disclosure before Wings Uranium drilling proceeds

The News

The Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association has called for a halt to research drilling by Headspring Investments for its Wings Uranium project pending publication of the full authorisation and independent scrutiny of groundwater protection measures. SAUMA said the government must disclose the conditions, locations and monitoring authorities attached to the authorisation, and cautioned that approval of research activities should not be interpreted as government approval of chemical leaching or safety assurance for the Stampriet Artesian Basin.

2 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

Today

SAUMA demands disclosure before Wings Uranium drilling proceeds
The Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association has called for a halt to research drilling by Headspring Investments for its Wings Uranium project pending publication of the full authorisation and independent scrutiny of groundwater protection measures. SAUMA said the government must disclose the conditions, locations and monitoring authorities attached to the authorisation, and cautioned that approval of research activities should not be interpreted as government approval of chemical leaching or safety assurance for the Stampriet Artesian Basin.
2 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →
Sauma calls for halt to Headspring uranium research drilling
The Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (Sauma) has demanded an immediate halt to newly authorised uranium research drilling near Leonardville.
7 hours ago · Namibian Sun →

Tuesday 3 November

In-situ leach mining method viable for water-sensitive areas
An opinion piece argues that in-situ leach recovery (ISL), which dissolves uranium from existing rock formations without open-pit mining, is suitable for water-sensitive geological conditions such as those near the Stampriet Aquifer, and has been used internationally for decades when properly monitored and managed.
3 November 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Sunday 12 April

RP accuses Headspring of influencing communities over uranium mining
Republican Party president Henk Mudge accused Headspring Investments, a Russian state subsidiary, of using material incentives to sway communities and officials to accept uranium mining in Omaheke via in-situ leaching, which he warned poses serious contamination risks to the Stampriet aquifer and shared transboundary water systems. Headspring disputed the allegations, stating the project relies on advanced technologies used worldwide and operates under strict regulatory oversight.
12 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 10 April

Headspring uranium project delivers education, skills to Leonardville
An opinion piece from a Leonardville community member argues that Headspring Investments' uranium exploration project has brought tangible benefits to the Omaheke village through school feeding programmes, vocational training, bursaries, and community engagement. The author contends that the company's sustained investment in education and youth empowerment demonstrates genuine commitment to the community's long-term welfare.
10 April 2026 · New Era →

Saturday 28 March

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

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

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 →

Friday 13 February

Youth activist argues for uranium mine to break cycle
Anton Geinub, a 33-year-old from Leonardville in Omaheke, argues that a proposed uranium mine by Headspring Investments offers hope for young people trapped in low-wage farm work, while acknowledging concerns from SAUMA about water contamination in the Stampriet Aquifer. He calls for completing the required hydrological study to determine if in-situ leaching is safe, saying potential jobs and infrastructure development are worth pursuing if science proves the method poses no irreversible damage.
13 February 2026 · New Era →