Regulatory reforms top small scale mining plights
Isabel Bento NEUSCHWABEN – Small-scale miners operating in the Neuschwaben mining area near Karibib in the Erongo region have appealed for improved access to equipment, formal markets, safety training and reforms to regulations governing mining claims within Exclusive Prospecting Licence (EPL) areas. The miners made the appeal during an oversight visit by the Parliamentary Standing... The post Regulatory reforms top small scale mining plights appeared first on New Era .
NEUSCHWABEN – Small-scale miners operating in the Neuschwaben mining area near Karibib in the Erongo region have appealed for improved access to equipment, formal markets, safety training and reforms to regulations governing mining claims within Exclusive Prospecting Licence (EPL) areas.
The miners made the appeal during an oversight visit by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources to small-scale mining sites in the Erongo region.
Chairperson of the Neuschwaben Independent Miners’ Association, Lucky Kapekarua, said inadequate equipment remains one of the sector’s biggest challenges. This is particularly the lack of heavy machinery needed to remove waste material and improve productivity. “We highly need a dumping truck because the waste makes it difficult for people to proceed with mining,” he said.
Kapekarua also called for safety training and the establishment of a formal stone trading hub to curb illegal sales and promote local value addition.
The tourmaline miners further highlighted difficulties accessing claims located within EPL areas, saying they are often required to obtain permission from EPL holders, with no clear coordination mechanism in place. Parliamentary committee chairperson Tobie Aupindi acknowledged that the issue affects small-scale miners across the country and said it would form part of the committee’s report to the National Assembly.
“What we have seen and heard here reflects the reality facing many small-scale miners in Namibia. Despite their contribution to job creation and local economic development, they continue to struggle with limited equipment, market access and regulatory barriers,” he said.
Aupindi said the committee would recommend measures to address the imbalance between EPL holders and small-scale miners.
He added that the equipment gap between large mining companies and small operators was unacceptable.
Deputy director of mineral rights and resources development in the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy Abraham Iilende confirmed that government is planning a market hub near the main road, where miners will be able to sell their products from a designated location.
He said the restrictions faced by claim holders stem from existing legislation and that the ministry has already begun the process of amending the law.
However, he noted that limited financial resources continue to constrain government support for mining equipment.
The committee’s findings and recommendations will be tabled in the National Assembly following the conclusion of the oversight exercise.
-Nampa
