Ministry warns against illegal sand and gravel mining
Pits left behind by illegal operations
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has called for an end to illegal sand and gravel mining in Namibia, warning that unauthorised operations are causing serious environmental and social damage.
In a statement released on 14 January, the ministry expressed concern over a growing number of mining activities carried out without legal approval. Many of these operations lack the required environmental impact assessments and Environmental Clearance Certificates (ECCs), as mandated under the Environmental Management Act of 2007.
The ministry reminded individuals, businesses, and local and traditional authorities that all sand and gravel mining activities must be preceded by an environmental impact assessment, submission of an environmental management plan, and issuance of an ECC by the Office of the Environmental Commissioner.
Environmental and social risks
Illegal mining poses serious risks to the environment, people, livestock, and wildlife. Impacts cited include land degradation, erosion of riverbanks, damage to infrastructure, and destruction of wetlands and agricultural land, including mahangu fields.
Of particular concern are pits left behind by illegal operations, which fill with rainwater and create significant safety hazards, especially for children.
Balancing development with protection
While acknowledging the growing demand for sand and gravel driven by road construction, housing, and other infrastructure projects, the Ministry stressed that development must not come at the cost of irreversible environmental damage. Proper regulation, it said, is essential to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
To address the issue, the ministry announced plans to hold regional stakeholder consultations on sand and gravel mining regulations. These engagements aim to strengthen implementation and enforcement of the Environmental Management Act.
The ministry concluded by urging all Namibians to cease illegal mining activities and fully comply with existing environmental laws.
In a statement released on 14 January, the ministry expressed concern over a growing number of mining activities carried out without legal approval. Many of these operations lack the required environmental impact assessments and Environmental Clearance Certificates (ECCs), as mandated under the Environmental Management Act of 2007.
The ministry reminded individuals, businesses, and local and traditional authorities that all sand and gravel mining activities must be preceded by an environmental impact assessment, submission of an environmental management plan, and issuance of an ECC by the Office of the Environmental Commissioner.
Environmental and social risks
Illegal mining poses serious risks to the environment, people, livestock, and wildlife. Impacts cited include land degradation, erosion of riverbanks, damage to infrastructure, and destruction of wetlands and agricultural land, including mahangu fields.
Of particular concern are pits left behind by illegal operations, which fill with rainwater and create significant safety hazards, especially for children.
Balancing development with protection
While acknowledging the growing demand for sand and gravel driven by road construction, housing, and other infrastructure projects, the Ministry stressed that development must not come at the cost of irreversible environmental damage. Proper regulation, it said, is essential to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
To address the issue, the ministry announced plans to hold regional stakeholder consultations on sand and gravel mining regulations. These engagements aim to strengthen implementation and enforcement of the Environmental Management Act.
The ministry concluded by urging all Namibians to cease illegal mining activities and fully comply with existing environmental laws.
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