Windhoek: The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has expressed serious concern over the ongoing rise in illegal sand and gravel mining activities in Namibia, stating that these activities are being carried out without the necessary Environmental Clearance Certificates (ECCs).

According to Namibia Press Agency, the MEFT Minister, Indileni Daniel, said on Thursday that those engaged in illegal mining are operating without the required ECCs issued by the Office of the Environmental Commissioner (OEC), as mandated by the Environmental Management Act of 2007 (Act No. 7 of 2007).

Furthermore, the minister reminded all individuals, businesses, and local and traditional authorities that any sand and gravel mining activity must be preceded by an environmental impact assessment, an environmental management plan, and the issuance of an ECC by the OEC.

Daniel highlighted the dangers posed by illegal sand and gravel mining, which include land degradation, erosion of riverbanks, damage to infrastructure, and destruction of wetlands and agricultural land, such as mahangu fields. These impacts threaten human life, water and food security, grazing land, and biodiversity. She noted that the open pits created by illegal mining fill with water during the rainy season, posing a significant risk to wildlife, livestock, and humans, especially children.

While acknowledging the increasing demand for sand and gravel due to national development priorities such as new roads, housing, and other infrastructure, Daniel emphasised that development should not come at the expense of irreversible environmental degradation. She stressed the importance of proper regulation to balance economic development with environmental protection.

In response to the ongoing challenges, the ministry plans to conduct regional stakeholder engagements on Sand and Gravel Mining Regulations. These regulations are deemed essential for the implementation and enforcement of the Environmental Management Act. Daniel urged all stakeholders to participate and encouraged Namibians to desist from illegal mining activities and comply with environmental laws.