Kunene: The Kunene Region is seeking investment for a northern harbour and rail networks to facilitate the export of iron ore and rare earth elements, following a surge in regional prospecting activity. According to Namibia Press Agency, Kunene Governor Vipuakuje Muharukua outlined these development priorities during an interview with Nampa on the sidelines of the Mining Indaba underway in Cape Town, South Africa. Muharukua highlighted the increasing interest from major and junior companies targeting gold, cobalt, uranium, and silver. Muharukua emphasized that the current road infrastructure is insufficient for the scale of mineral deposits in the area, particularly iron ore. He stated, "Mining is a growing sector in the Kunene Region. We have an increasing number of companies that are prospecting in the region." He stressed the need for rail transport to export ports and has been advocating for the establishment of a harbour in the northern part of Kunene. He also proposed rehabilitating the Outjo railway station to create a dry port for goods arriving from Walvis Bay and Lderitz. Addressing water scarcity, Muharukua discussed plans for a new dam 100 kilometers south of Opuwo to support both industrial and community needs. "This agricultural dam provides a solution to Opuwo's water woes, but it also provides water for the mining sector," he said. Addressing potential conflicts between mining and Kunene's tourism sector, Muharukua noted the need for a "win-win situation" and emphasized that both industries can coexist peacefully. "Coexistence is the default point of government. These two entities and industries can coexist in peace, each doing what they do best for our country to thrive," he said. He concluded by warning of the international competition Namibia faces for mining capital and stressed the importance of maintaining its competitive edge. "We are competing with the globe. Our advantage as Namibians is getting into the niches and exploiting the markets first. The early bird catches the worm," he sta ted.