SWAKOPMUND – The government is expected to enforce stricter laws regulating and ensuring minimum damage to the environment as well as protect Namibians against the dangers of sand mining.
The environment ministry is currently hosting consultative meetings to discuss sand and gravel mining in the country.
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) is expected to introduce regulations to manage sand and gravel mining in Namibia. The move comes after growing concerns about environmental damage, loss of livelihoods, and safety risks from unregulated mining.
Addressing stakeholders in Swakopmund on Monday, Panduleni Haindongo from the department of environmental affairs in the ministry said sand mining has increased across the country, thereby putting lives at risk and damaging infrastructure.
“It has destroyed farmland, damaged infrastructure, and left abandoned pits that have caused accidents and even drowning. The environment commissioner, with assistance, has closed illegal sites and worked with the Roads Authority to rehabilitate old pits, some dating back to before independence,” he stated.
The aim of the new regulations is to prevent environmental damage, protect rivers and wetlands, and ensure responsible use of resources.
“We are not stopping development, but it must be done safely and sustainably. Unlicensed mining, weak enforcement in communal areas, corruption, and unclear land rights have made the problem worse. Many operators mine near towns to cut transport costs, putting communities and infrastructure at risk,” he said.
Additionally, the draft regulations divide sand mining into three categories: small domestic use under five cubic metres, domestic use above five cubic metres needing approval, and commercial mining, which requires permits and environmental clearance certificates (ECCs).
Traditional authorities, local authorities, leaseholders, and private landowners will manage permits, monitor compliance, collect levies, and ensure sites are rehabilitated.
He said the regulations will also include safety measures for workers, dust control, vehicle requirements, working hours and emergency procedures. Mining without an ECC or permit, breaking permit conditions, or transporting sand illegally will result in fines, confiscation of equipment, criminal charges, and mandatory rehabilitation at the operator’s cost.
The regulations also include levies and community trust funds so that nearby communities benefit from mining. He explained that fees will depend on the volume extracted and will be shared with authorities, administration and local communities. Meanwhile, Swakopmund Municipality’s general manager for engineering and planning services, Clarence McClune, welcomed the proposed resolutions.
“We are just seeking guidance to ensure that the municipality’s regulations align with the new national rules,” he said.
