The German government has presented a letter of intent to Enertag, a global renewable energy company, confirming the suitability of the Hyphen Green Hydrogen Project as a designated strategic foreign undertaking.

The strategic foreign project designation for the US$10 billion project renders it eligible to receive targeted support.

Strategic foreign project designation is a status reserved for high-priority global projects of strategic interest to Germany.

With the rural electrification budget having received a significant boost, the Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, is calling on regional councils to use allocated funds prudently. 

For the past 34 years, rural electrification in the Kavango East Region has mostly targeted public institutions instead of households. 

The regional leadership says it's about time to shift focus to households in rural areas, where some have been without electricity since independence. 

This was among the deliberations that took place during the discussion between representatives of the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Kavango Regional Council on the question of rural electrification. 

The Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, has addressed allegations of corruptly awarding petroleum exploration licences.

Responding to accusations on social media and in relation to Landless People's Movement (LPM) MP Henny Seibeb's questions, Alweendo underscores the importance of vigilance against corruption in the oil and gas sector.

Alweendo clarified the application process, stating that the minister does not handle licence applications directly. 

Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, in a moving address at Statehouse, paid tribute to the late President Geingob. 

Describing him as a compassionate leader who was dedicated to serving and uplifting others and an administrator, the public servants who diligently served the nation. 

In honouring President Geingob's memory, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila urged citizens to persist in their pursuit of unity and unwavering commitment to national endeavours, carrying forward the legacy of a leader who left an indelible mark on the nation.

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 Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, has addressed questions posed by LPM MP Henny Seibeb regarding allegations of lead exposure cover-up by Trevali Mining Corporation in the ||Kharas Region.

Seibeb noted that a medical report exists that reveals the findings of lead concentration tests conducted on 30 children. According to the report, all 30 children exhibited high levels of lead in their blood. These tests were performed by a medical doctor who was previously employed by the mining company.

The Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, has warned officials in the ministry against unethical and corrupt intentions to advance personal agendas.

"Of concern are complaints of unethical behaviour among some Ministry officials, including favouritism towards friends and bribery allegations during the application process. Appropriate action will be taken against officials found guilty of misconduct, and reporting of such incidents through the newly introduced "Fraud Alert" feature on the Ministry's website is encouraged."

The Namibian government will continue to lobby the private sector for investment in the mining sector.

The Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, says this is because of the risk factors involved and the capital required.

Addressing the two-day Mining Expo and Conference in Windhoek, Alweendo said mine exploration alone costs hundreds of millions of dollars, something the state cannot afford.

And exploration alone does not guarantee any return on investment.

The Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, refuted claims that the Green Hydrogen project is being developed in secrecy.

He says the government will continue to engage and share information related to the project so that everyone remains up-to-date with its developments.