Swakopmund: Renewed calls for stronger measures to ensure Namibia derives full value from its mineral wealth have emerged amid growing concern over illegal mining and the social and environmental impact of extractive activities in resource-rich areas. Speaking at the opening of a parliamentary induction workshop in Swakopmund on Monday, Erongo Governor Natalia |Goagoses said the continued export of raw minerals, coupled with rising illegal mining, is undermining the country's ability to maximise economic returns. According to Namibia Press Agency, |Goagoses stressed that prioritising local beneficiation remains critical to unlocking sustainable development, job creation and industrial growth. She noted that the expansion of mining activities in the Erongo Region has heightened the need for policies that promote value addition and strengthen monitoring and enforcement. She said beneficiation could stimulate manufacturing, create employment, and enhance economic resilience, particularly in mining communities. T he governor also raised concern over increasing illegal mining, warning that such practices erode regulatory frameworks, deprive the state of revenue, and contribute to environmental degradation. 'We cannot allow illegal activities to undermine the sustainable management of our natural resources. Mining must be conducted responsibly, within the law, and in a manner that safeguards both our environment and our communities,' she said. She further called for inclusive development, urging meaningful consultation with communities living near mining operations and equitable sharing of benefits from the sector. Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Philipus Katamelo echoed the concerns, underscoring Parliament's oversight role in ensuring that government commitments in the mining sector translate into tangible outcomes. 'Our role is not to formulate the national budget, but to hold those who present it accountable for what they promise to deliver,' Katamelo said. The concerns come amid unease among residents of the Constituency over the impact of mining activities around Uis. Members of the Concerned Daman Community have submitted a formal grievance to the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy, alleging environmental damage and disruption of cultural heritage sites linked to mining operations. The community claims that activities near the Brandberg Massif have affected ancestral graves, grazing land, and wildlife habitats central to their livelihoods and cultural identity. They further allege that previous lithium mining operations by Xinfeng Mining caused environmental degradation and displaced wildlife, adversely affecting the Tsiseb Conservancy, which relies on tourism and hunting concessions. Additional concerns include blasting near residential areas and increased heavy truck traffic linked to companies such as Andrada Mining and Nexus Mining, which residents say have contributed to dust pollution and potential health risks. While acknowledging that mining has created some employment opportunities, communi ty members argue that these have largely been limited to low-skilled jobs and small-scale corporate social responsibility initiatives that do not offset the long-term impacts. Meanwhile, Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse, during a recent engagement with the Uis community, acknowledged the concerns and emphasised the need for continued dialogue. 'I cannot be a minister who watches our resources remain in the hands of outsiders while our people live in poverty. That I cannot allow,' he said. Amutse said the ministry has begun identifying strategic mineral deposits to reserve for national interest, while also focusing on capacity building to enable greater local participation. 'It is not just about issuing licences. Some Namibians have the will to participate but require support. We are therefore developing programmes to assist small-scale miners with equipment and technical expertise,' he said. He also condemned illegal mining, warning that it will not be tolerated. 'We are here to sup port lawful participation in the sector. Our people must benefit as owners and stakeholders, not merely as general workers,' he added. Amutse said further consultations with mining companies operating in the area will be undertaken to address concerns raised by affected communities.