Desalination, a responsible choice

An inexhaustible supply of water

AREVA is careful to limit the environmental impacts of its operations under all circumstances. Sustainable development is the first priority of its mining methods and techniques.

The Erongo mining region is currently experiencing a severe water shortage and the Omdel aquifer, the underground water supply source for the region, has reached its maximum yield. Operation of the Trekkopje mine would have increased pumping activity, contributing to a chronic shortage of water for other uses. Its proximity to the sea and the construction of a desalination plant thus opened up the possibility for another, practically inexhaustible supply of water while preserving existing pumping capacity.

Reverse osmosis, an advanced water filtration technique, was recognized as the most effective solution in terms of energy consumption for a country that imports half of its electricity from South Africa and that is pursuing an ambitious energy self-sufficiency program.

Benefits for employment and the economy

The need for fresh water goes beyond the needs of the mine site itself. Water supply is part of AREVA’s operating strategy of promoting the development of the countries in which it operates. The Wlotzkasbaken will produce 30% more water than the mine needs and the surplus will be used to supply water to the local community and to other mines, particularly coal mines, Namibia’s leading fossil resource. For AREVA, this is a responsible investment that joins the social initiatives it undertakes in the host country, such as health, education and training.

The construction and operation of the plant near Swakopmund and its outlying areas is already bringing employment and economic benefits to the Erongo region. As AREVA CEO Anne Lauvergeon stresses, the plant is a very important component of the strong, long-term partnership that the group wants to build with Namibia for the next 30 to 40 years.