UraMin Inc., which is developing a uranium mine at Trekkopje in the Erongo Region, and the country's bulk water supplier, NamWater, are planning to build a desalination plant at the coast.
NamWater's chief executive officer, Dr Vaino Shivute, told the Economist this week that the plant is planned to produce around 40 million cubic metres or more of water per annum and is expected to cost around N$1 billion, although he was quick to say that the figure was just an estimate.

Shivute said UraMin requires water for its mine by the end of next year while other uranium mines that are being developed in the Erongo Region will require water in 2009/10.
“The estimated capacity of 40 million cubic metres is just on the lower end of the table. The capacity may be more depending on demand,” said Shivute, indicating that capacity of the plant may go up to 50 million cubic metres per annum.
Shivute said NamWater would seek funding from institutional investors for the project. He said coastal towns, which are already home to the Rössing Uranium and Langer Heinrich uranium mines, consume around 12 million cubic metres of water per annum.
“The establishment of desalination plant with a capacity of 50 million cubic meters per annum means that our bulk water supply to the coast will increase fourfold,” said Shivute.
An Environmental Impact Assessment meeting was held in Swakopmund by Turgis Consulting, who are charged with doing the assessment, in Swakopmund last Friday.
According to the minutes, some members of the public expressed concern that the desalination plant, near Wlotzkasbaken, will set a precedent for industrial development along the rare and valuable coastline.
Some residents said it would have been better if the plant had been planned further north above the Lichen fields as this is a flat and uninteresting piece of land.
According to information submitted by Kerry McNamara Architects, the UraMin desalination plant is being built to accommodate significant expansions, which will be within the footprint that is current designed.