Namibia's Uranium Mines Show How to Get Critical Minerals Right

As demand for raw materials grows to support the global energy transition, Namibia's uranium sector offers compelling lessons. Namibia supplies over 10% of the world’s uranium through operations like R?ssing (the world's longest-running open pit uranium mine) and Husab (one of the world's largest uranium mines). Over four decades, these operations have successfully balanced international investment with national development, providing some valuable insights into what is possible.

The sector's contribution to the energy transition extends beyond simply supplying fuel for nuclear power. Desert mining demands innovation and the Namib Desert is a particularly unforgiving and arid environment. To meet its water needs, the R?ssing operation recycles up to 60% of its water through a closed-circuit system, while Husab's state-of-the-art water management system has set new standards for resource efficiency in desert mining operations.

Namibia's regulatory framework demonstrates how other nations can approach critical minerals development. The country's uranium stewardship program, developed in partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), combines robust environmental protection with investment-friendly policies. This balanced approach has attracted investors from China, Australia and Canada, all while maintaining strong environmental and safety standards, demonstrating that commercial success doesn’t have to come at a cost to the environment.

Perhaps most significantly, Namibia's uranium sector shows how mining can support community development. The R?ssing Foundation, established in 1978, has invested extensively in education and skills development, while Husab's local employment rate of over 95% demonstrates how valuable these projects can be to the local community. As has been seen at Mining Indaba 2025 last week, focus on future-proofing communities through meaningful participation in the mining sector is a key pillar of growth for countries going forward.

As Africa positions itself in the clean energy supply chain, Namibia's uranium sector offers valuable insights. Successful critical minerals development requires more than just geological resources. It demands sophisticated operations management, clear regulatory frameworks, and genuine community partnership. These lessons are increasingly relevant as the continent positions itself as a key player in the net-zero transition through its critical minerals endowment.