Emerging miners consulted on mining policy
STAFF REPORTERIn a move to strengthen Namibia’s mineral value chain, the Ministry of Mines convened a
consultative meeting with the Emerging Mining Association of Namibia (EMAN) on 7 January 2026, to gather input and work towards collaboration on the implementation of natural resources beneficiation strategies.
Addressing the meeting, mines minister Modestus Amutse, highlighted the role of early and ongoing engagement with stakeholders in the sector. He emphasised that effective and
sustainable implementation of value addition to Namibia’s natural resources depends on practical input from those directly involved in the industry.
“The development of Namibia’s mining sector cannot be achieved by the government alone. It requires meaningful collaboration with stakeholders on the ground, whose practical experience is essential in shaping effective and responsive policies,” said Amutse.
Amutse expressed appreciation to EMAN for their comprehensive submission, which detailed the challenges facing emerging and small-scale miners in Namibia and offered proposals to strengthen local participation in the mining value chain.
President of EMAN, Thekla Mutero, reiterated the association’s commitment to supporting Namibia’s mining sector.
“Namibia’s emerging miners are ready to contribute fully to the country’s mining sector. Our association exists to ensure that local miners can legally own, develop and benefit from their resources. We welcome this engagement with the ministry to turn opportunities into real impact,” Mutero said.
Mutero also raised concerns about restrictions on the use of modern equipment for mining in areas categorised as mining claims, noting that such limitations negatively impact operational productivity for small-scale miners.
The association underscored the necessity for well-regulated, modern mining techniques that
align with environmental management and safety standards. Such techniques, they stressed, would help small-scale miners reduce occupational hazards and promote sustainable, compliant mining practices.
Additionally, EMAN proposed that the ministry enhance access to processing facilities and crushers and establish local geological and certification services. These measures would be aimed at supporting value addition efforts and ensuring that emerging miners have the necessary resources to succeed.
consultative meeting with the Emerging Mining Association of Namibia (EMAN) on 7 January 2026, to gather input and work towards collaboration on the implementation of natural resources beneficiation strategies.
Addressing the meeting, mines minister Modestus Amutse, highlighted the role of early and ongoing engagement with stakeholders in the sector. He emphasised that effective and
sustainable implementation of value addition to Namibia’s natural resources depends on practical input from those directly involved in the industry.
“The development of Namibia’s mining sector cannot be achieved by the government alone. It requires meaningful collaboration with stakeholders on the ground, whose practical experience is essential in shaping effective and responsive policies,” said Amutse.
Amutse expressed appreciation to EMAN for their comprehensive submission, which detailed the challenges facing emerging and small-scale miners in Namibia and offered proposals to strengthen local participation in the mining value chain.
President of EMAN, Thekla Mutero, reiterated the association’s commitment to supporting Namibia’s mining sector.
“Namibia’s emerging miners are ready to contribute fully to the country’s mining sector. Our association exists to ensure that local miners can legally own, develop and benefit from their resources. We welcome this engagement with the ministry to turn opportunities into real impact,” Mutero said.
Mutero also raised concerns about restrictions on the use of modern equipment for mining in areas categorised as mining claims, noting that such limitations negatively impact operational productivity for small-scale miners.
The association underscored the necessity for well-regulated, modern mining techniques that
align with environmental management and safety standards. Such techniques, they stressed, would help small-scale miners reduce occupational hazards and promote sustainable, compliant mining practices.
Additionally, EMAN proposed that the ministry enhance access to processing facilities and crushers and establish local geological and certification services. These measures would be aimed at supporting value addition efforts and ensuring that emerging miners have the necessary resources to succeed.
