Groundwater Use and Protection as Part of the Namibian Mining Application

Water is a scarce commodity in semi-arid Namibia. Therefore water supply for towns, industry, and mines can often only be ensured through the utilization of groundwater resources. Conflicting interests between farmers and bulk users often cause severe problems. Two emerging mining projects are used as examples on how a timely transparent approach involving all stakeholders at an early stage of mine development and based on thorough scientific but easy to understand investigations, can result in a proper project implementation. This constructive participation during an early stage caused less negative effects during the process of mine development and construction later on.