Small scale miners seek govt intervention
Isabel Bento OMIHANA – Small-scale miners in the Spitzkoppe and Omihana areas in the Erongo region have appealed for urgent government intervention to address licensing delays, limited access to mining areas, inadequate equipment and poor market conditions that they say threaten their livelihoods. The concerns were raised during a visit by Members of the Parliamentary... The post Small scale miners seek govt intervention appeared first on New Era .
OMIHANA – Small-scale miners in the Spitzkoppe and Omihana areas in the Erongo region have appealed for urgent government intervention to address licensing delays, limited access to mining areas, inadequate equipment and poor market conditions that they say threaten their livelihoods.
The concerns were raised during a visit by Members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources, who are conducting consultations with small-scale mining communities across the country.
Uiba-Oas Crystal Market co-founder, Sylvia Pienaar, said the market was established in the early 2000s with support from the Rössing Foundation and other partners to create sustainable income opportunities through gemstone mining and sales.
However, she said the market continues to face significant challenges, including a lack of electricity, limited water supply, deteriorating infrastructure and security concerns.
“We have young people who want to work, but they are still using basic tools such as hammers and chisels. We need proper equipment to improve production and create opportunities for the next generation,” she said.
At Omihana village, Small Miners Association chairperson, Tjeripo Rukoro, said lengthy delays in obtaining mining claims and environmental approvals continue to frustrate miners. “We continue mining because this is how we survive.
People are feeding their families from these activities, but government processes take too long,” he said, noting that an application he submitted in 2022 remains unresolved.
Rukoro also questioned restrictions preventing small-scale miners from operating in areas covered by Exclusive Prospecting Licences (EPLs), even where licence holders are prospecting for different minerals.
Fellow miner, Anton Muheua, said about 150 people depend directly on small-scale mining in the area and called on government to provide training on mining regulations and licensing procedures. “We are not asking for handouts.
We are asking government to come and teach us. Show us the correct procedures so that we can work within the law and protect our livelihoods,” he said. Miners further complained about low prices offered by bulk buyers, saying poverty often forces them to sell minerals at prices below their value.
Committee member, Immanuel Nashinge, questioned what support mechanisms exist for small-scale mining cooperatives, while Willem Amutenya said Namibia should place greater emphasis on enabling communities to benefit from the country’s natural resources.
Committee chairperson, Tobie Aupindi, said the consultations are intended to identify challenges facing small-scale miners and submit recommendations to Parliament.
Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy deputy director, Abraham Iilende, acknowledged that licensing delays are among the most common complaints raised during the consultations and said government is reviewing legislation to ease restrictions on small miners operating in EPL areas.
He also urged miners to inform tourists purchasing gemstones about export permit requirements, noting that applications are generally processed within two to three days.
-Nampa
