The Landless People's Movement (LPM) Member of Parliament, Hennie Seibeb. has called for the enactment of laws to control and manage lithium mining in Namibia.

Seibeb said this when he motivated his motion in the National Assembly, which was supported by many MPs.

The recent discovery of one of Earth's rare mineral resources, lithium, has sparked intense exploration interests among many.

The Erongo Region, and more particularly the surrounding areas of Uis and Omatjetje, have now become areas of attraction and places of interest for potential investors.

Seibeb, therefore, wants laws in place to control resources, thereby creating jobs for the area's inhabitants, growing the country's economy, and ensuring value addition.  

Several MPs supported the motion.

Finance and Public Enterprises Minister Iipumbu Shiimi echoed the same sentiments, explaining that a new mineral law, a benefiting formula for Namibians in the new mining sector, training the citizens on lithium, as well as maximizing benefits, should be enhanced.

On her part, Mines and Energy Deputy Minister Kornelia Shilunga said the ministry is busy reviewing the Minerals Act.

The motion was then referred to a Parliamentary Standing Committee for public input.