Windhoek — Nuclear energy is always a highly emotive word which attracts a variety of views nationally and internationally, said Dr Wotan Swiegers, director of the newly-established Uranium Institute, a training and information centre.

"Public interpretation is, however, often based on perceptions rather than facts, and those perceptions sometimes relate to views shaped by events some decades ago. In this regard effective communication and sharing of information amongst stakeholder and interested parties is vital for the uranium industry," Swiggers said.

According to Swiegers, the Uranium Institute is steadily working towards achieving its goal of ensuring that Namibia's uranium is mined and milled in a responsible and safe manner.

"The uranium industry is committed to work with other stakeholders to implement a sustainable development framework where a balance is found between economic development, social responsibility and the protection of the environment."

The Economist had a sneak preview of the Uranium Information Centre which was sponsored by AREVA Resources Namibia and other uranium mines. It boasts of the latest display technology and is fitted with interactive technology such as a touch screen, internet facilities and displays which can easily be updated to keep up with new information.

A spread of information is displayed ranging from the general such as radiation and uses of uranium to the more specific such as the location of the different mines in the Erongo region, the rock formation and leaching processes.

When opened, the centre will be a medium for mines in the Erongo region to showcase their activities: be it production, social responsibility, sustainability or environmental interaction.

According to Sugnet Smit of the communications department at AREVA Resources Namibia, the initiative was born from the need of mining companies to provide a shared pool of knowledge on uranium as a Namibian product.

"Our experience is that the general public would like to know more about uranium as a replacement for energy. Thus our aim to share information on open pit mining at Rössing Uranium and Langer Heinrich, who are in full production, with generic information on Trekkop-je, Swakop Uranium, Bannerman and Reptile Uranium to suit a wide target audience.

"One must remember that the Uranium Information Centre will be visited by employees and their families, tourists, experts within the uranium industry, learners and also the public at large. The magnitude and speed of change in the world energy situation encouraged us to communicate the latest information in an easily and understandable way in accordance with international standards," Smit said.

As a developing country, Namibia is faced with the challenges of poverty, unemployment and a growing demand for energy.

Analysts expect that uranium exploration and mining activities could have a significant impact on the Namibian economy during the next few years. Namibia is currently fourth globally in identified uranium deposits, with Australia, Kazakhstan and Canadia in the lead positions.

The government has taken important steps in responding to the dearth of adequate legislation with the promulgation of the Minerals (Prospecting & Mining) Act, No 33 of 1992 ,the Minerals Policy (2005), Atomic Energy and Radiation Protection Act, 5 of 2005 and the Environmental Management Act, 7 of 2007.

The Act provides for the establishment of a Namibian Atomic Energy Board (established in February 2009). This was followed with the establishment of the National Radiation Protection Authority (NRPA) which is led by Mr Axel Tibinyane, a radiation expert.

Smit said it is in the interest of the uranium industry and the country that all stakeholders, employees, tourists and the general public know that N-Uranium, Namibia's unique brand for uranium, is mined and produced in a sustainable and responsible manner.