OUTJO – Kunene governor, Vipuakuje Muharukua, has said Khorixas can become Namibia’s gemstone polishing capital, with plans underway to operationalise a lapidary factory within the next three months.

Muharukua, while delivering his State of the Region Address at Opuwo on Monday, said value addition in the mining sector is a key pillar in Kunene’s strategy to shift from “promise to wealth and progress.”

He said the ministry of mines and energy is finalising preparations to operationalise the polishing facility already built in Khorixas, which is expected to employ locals and empower small-scale miners in the region.

This initiative will form part of the governor’s office’s plans to register 5 000 local businesses, including mining cooperatives and traditional authorities.

“Our small-scale miners, those who take a pickaxe to the earth, will finally form part of the mainstream economy,” he said.

Muharukua however also raised concerns about ongoing disputes between mining license holders and conservation groups in the Khorixas area. He said the Gwandagab Mine remains inoperative due to these disagreements but has the potential to create up to 400 jobs for residents.

“We hope the matter finds an amicable solution,” he said.

Kunene is home to a range of valuable minerals, including copper, tin, iron ore and precious stones. 

Muharukua revealed that negotiations are ongoing for an investment in mineral beneficiation, which could result in the establishment of a factory and the creation of over 1 600 jobs in the region.

“This is not just about mining, but about building an economy where raw resources are transformed into real opportunities for the people of Kunene,” he said. -Nampa