The new Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Modestus Amutse, during his introduction to the ministry staff on Monday, has called for stronger action to expand renewable energy and improve responsibility in the mining sector.
“The country must increase its use of clean energy, especially solar power. Why has the nation not yet built more facilities that can use the bright sun to produce power? I also suggested combining solar energy with modern modular systems to create more green energy,” he said.
He noted that new forms of energy, including white hydrogen, are becoming important around the world. However, he stressed that the country must act carefully. He warned that without proper checks, careless decisions could harm the nation. For this reason, he said, due diligence is always necessary, especially in the mining, oil, gas, and hydrogen sectors.
Amutse said there’s a need to properly implement EPLs (Exclusive Prospecting Licences).
He said he often discusses mineral beneficiation and believes mining companies must be encouraged or even required to contribute more to local development.
“I call for stronger corporate social responsibility from people and institutions in the mining sector. Mining activities must bring visible benefits to the communities and to the country,” he said.
He called for tighter controls on mining companies, saying many communities near mines are not benefiting from the country’s mineral wealth.
He said some mines report progress and success, yet nearby residents face poor living conditions.
“People in those areas do not have a decent road. Their school is dilapidated. Yet the owners of these mines, many of whom are not from Namibia, live much better from our mineral resources than ourselves. And that cannot be good,” he said.
He also questioned whether companies are declaring their full profits. “They don’t want to pay what they ought to pay. There are grey areas we need to tighten so we know what they really produce and what they must pay to the government coffers,” he said.
He further said, Namibia must require mining companies to invest in the communities where they operate. They must compel them to assist those communities. “If investors can do it in other countries, why not in Namibia? Unless you don’t force them to do it,” he said. He further stated that he is prepared to engage mining companies directly.
“I don’t fear to face them on our behalf. But we move together. If I go there to face them, it means all of us are facing them, as a collective,” he said.
Amutse called for the revival of the Minerals Development Fund, which would support small-scale miners, claim holders, and holders of Exclusive Prospecting Licences (EPLs). He warned that low mining revenue is limiting the national budget.
“If we continue not to derive enough funds from our mining exercises, our budget will continue to be lean,” he said. He expressed concern that some buyers are now providing equipment to small miners, saying this raises serious questions. If they don’t, you see a grey area somewhere. They are taking Namibian’s space where they are supposed to be the ones assisting the Namibian people.
He urged stronger measures to ensure Namibia benefits fully from its natural resources.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed Amutse as Namibia’s new Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, effective 2 December 2025.