The Kunene Region's small-scale mining sector has been facing several challenges despite its significant potential in mineral resources.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources visited the region at the invitation of the Association of Small Miners to conduct oversight on mining activities and assess challenges affecting them.
Its chairperson, Tobie Aupindi, explained the inadequate administrative support from key government institutions.
“There is a lack of administrative support from various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, particularly regarding environmental clearances and management plans and other related processes. These requirements are in conflict with anticipated developments, particularly in areas that may be designated as protected areas. There are also serious challenges regarding administrative support from the Ministry of Industrialisation, Mines, and Energy. However, these are all issues that can be addressed and resolved, including labour-related matters.”
He further highlighted illegal mining, black-market activities, lack of exclusive prospecting license (EPL)'s, and conflicts over local communities' mining rights as serious concerns identified during the oversight visit.
“There’s the black market, there are many illegal miners, and there is a lot of exploitation of local communities, with little protection for their mining rights. These rights are often not guaranteed when EPL holders come in. As a result, there is a lot of conflict and miscommunication. There are very few successful cases that we have seen across the entire region.”
A committee member, Immanuel Nashinge, said the Ministry of Industries, Mines, and Energy is failing to effectively monitor and control mining activities in the region.
“It’s not on the ground. Of all the mining activities taking place here, the Ministry cannot even take stock of them. They cannot tell you specifically, for example, we have 50 mining activities taking place in the region or 100 or 200—nothing."
Small-scale miner Ngujama Tjirora highlighted the challenge of registering their operations.
“The area is covered by an EPL. To register a claim, you need to obtain consent from the EPL holder. However, obtaining that consent is not easy. It can take anywhere from one to two years to get the necessary consent, if you are lucky.”
Committee member Willem Amutenya called on the Ministry of Industries, Mines, and Energy to establish an office in Opuwo.
“So that they are very close to these natural resources and can support the people and the industry, formalise the industry, and ensure that these natural resources truly benefit and contribute to the development of the people, not only in Kunene but throughout the country.”