Namibia: Parliament Committee Calls for Urgent Overhaul of Small Scale Mining Sector
[Namibian] Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources Tobie Aupindi says Namibia's small-scale mining sector requires urgent legislative and institutional reforms to unlock its potential and address persistent challenges facing miners.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources in Namibia is advocating for urgent legislative and institutional reforms to revitalize the country's small-scale mining sector. Chairperson Tobie Aupindi, who recently conducted an oversight visit to mining areas in the Erongo Region, expressed mixed emotions about the sector's potential and shortcomings.
While acknowledging significant progress in mining operations, Aupindi stressed the need to amend mineral laws and policies to accommodate technological advancements and formally recognize small-scale mining as part of the nation's socio-economic development. Key issues highlighted by the committee include disputes between Exclusive Prospecting Licence (EPL) holders and mining claim holders, particularly concerning access to mining areas located within EPLs.
These disputes often leave small-scale miners uncertain about their ability to access and operate their claims. Aupindi emphasized that the problems faced by small-scale miners are not limited to the Erongo Region, but are prevalent across Namibia.
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