The Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, is concerned about the G7 nations' proposal to ban the sale of Russian diamonds.

This, Alweendo says, could have implications for African diamond-producing countries, including Namibia.

Earlier this year, the G7 announced consideration to restrict the sale of non-industrial diamonds mined, processed, or produced in Russia by January 1, 2024, followed further by phase restrictions on the import of Russian diamonds processed in third countries by March 1, 2024.

The Cabinet has banned exports of lithium and other critical minerals and rare earth elements.

This follows a submission by the Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, to this effect.

The export of lithium in its raw form has been the focus of some communities and activists lately.

There have been demonstrations by traditional communities, particularly in the Erongo Region, where the sought-after mineral is found in large quantities.