The Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, has vehemently denied allegations of benefiting from N$50 million in unduly awarded mining licenses for proxies.

Alweendo informed journalists during a briefing that he did not receive a single cent, saying his only role in awarding licenses of any nature is merely to issue award letters to successful applicants by recommendation of experts after strict criteria have been applied.

The allegations involve a technical advisor in Alweendo's office, Ralph Muyamba, who allegedly secured bribes to reject the renewal of a mining license issued to Karolwa Mining Enterprises and unduly awarded it to a company owned by his cousin, Orange River Mining.

According to Alweendo, Muyamba has since resigned, prompting him to approach the Anti-Corruption Commission to proceed with investigations against the former advisor.

Alweendo also pledged to introduce strict procedures, including online applications to deter corruption and a whistle-blower box for anyone to report rogue officials.

Alweendo challenged those peddling rumours that he was corruptly awarding licenses to provide evidence publicly.