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Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) is accelerating key water infrastructure projects to boost long-term supply security for the mining industry. These include the Okavango Link Pipeline, new desalination plants in Lüderitz and along the coast, and a 20,000-cubic-metre reservoir planned for Swakopmund.
According to Chief Scientific Officer Johannes Sirunda, the state utility is also investing in groundwater development and bypass pipelines to reduce water losses from evaporation. “The Cabinet has already approved the Okavango Link Pipeline, and implementation is well underway to support central Namibia with water from the Okavango River,” Sirunda said.
NamWater currently manages 213 water supply schemes across the country, utilizing 377 reservoirs, 208 boreholes, and over 420 kilometers of canals. During the past financial year, the company provided 15.6 million cubic metres of water to mining operations, with Husab Mine accounting for over half that volume, followed by Rössing Uranium.
In the central region, Navachab Mine receives water from the Swakoppoort Dam, while the Twin Hills gold project by Osino Resources is set to draw from the Karst aquifer, Karibib Marble Aquifer, and Kranzberg Boreholes. Osino also plans to use recycled processing water to ensure sustainability. The current regional water demand is approximately 48 million cubic metres, while existing resources stand at 61 million cubic metres after favorable rainfall.
Sirunda noted that water competition is intensifying—not just from mining, but also due to urban expansion and lifestyle developments. In southern Namibia, Rosh Pinah and Scorpion Zinc rely on the Naute Dam and Orange River, with availability contingent on water releases from South Africa. A new desalination plant in Lüderitz and the broader southern water master plan are seen as essential for future supply, especially for green hydrogen projects and new mining activities. “The Orange River can’t be counted on consistently, so desalination is becoming vital for long-term planning,” Sirunda said.
Along the coast, NamWater supplies Husab, Rössing, and Langer Heinrich mines, with upcoming commitments to Etango and Valencia projects. Current sources include the Omdel and Walvis Bay aquifers, as well as the Orano desalination plant. However, reduced aquifer recharge, aging infrastructure, and population growth are placing strain on the system. The planned coastal desalination plant and the new Swakopmund reservoir aim to improve reliability, particularly during service disruptions.
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Sirunda emphasized the need for mining companies to coordinate early with NamWater to ensure timely water infrastructure development. “NamWater’s responsibility continues beyond the lifespan of any single mine,” he said.The Chamber of Mines of Namibia has consistently raised concerns about water shortages, especially for uranium operations in the Erongo Region.
