UIS, ERONGO REGION — In a move to bolster the economic and environmental sustainability of small-scale mining in Namibia, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), has successfully concluded a training program for the Xoboxobos small-scale miners’ cooperative.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the training is part of the Environmental Governance Project, now in its second year, funded by the Government of Sweden. The initiative targets miners in five hotspot regions, focusing on improving safety, health, and sustainable mining practices. The recent session in Uis provided the Xoboxobos cooperative with first aid training, sustainable mining techniques, and personal protective equipment, aiming to enhance both safety and operational standards.

The project also seeks to address gender disparities in the mining sector by promoting inclusivity, with women currently representing about 10 percent of the small-scale mining workforce. MME Deputy Executive Director Erasmus Shivolo highlighted the completion of the project as a significant achievement in the ministry’s efforts to foster sustainable and legally compliant mining practices across the country.

Chairperson Alfred Lukas of the Xoboxobos Miners cooperative expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the training and resources provided are crucial for enhancing the miners’ capabilities and ensuring environmentally responsible mining activities.