Namibia is the world’s third-largest uranium producer and is residence to deposits of lithium in addition to uncommon earth minerals comparable to dysprosium and terbium, utilized in magnets and wind generators.
One of the unequal nations on this planet, it’s in search of to higher handle its assets to learn residents and desires to hunt extra worth from the metals and different assets it produces.
“We’ve got change into extra stringent when contemplating mining license purposes,” Alweendo mentioned. “Henceforth, the phrases and circumstances of all new mining licenses shall be captured in a Mining Settlement that shall be negotiated between the Ministry and the holder of the license.”
Lots of the licenses have been awarded to candidates missing the required capabilities to satisfy their exploration commitments, Alweendo mentioned. The federal government will now subject permits to firms assembly minimal work program necessities and demonstrating ample monetary and technical capabilities, the minister mentioned.
Namibia acquired over 600 new purposes for exploration licenses as of December, with an extra 400 submitted in 2024, he mentioned.
(By Kaula Nhongo)