By: Mathias Hangala
A local small-scale miner has raised concerns over illegal mining activities in the Karibib District, claiming they obstruct legitimate exploration efforts at Farm Khunubes, a resettlement farm located in the area.
Hango Skombero, who has engaged in small-scale mineral exploration at Farm Khunubes for over a decade, says he discovered copper ore and other minerals in the area approximately two years ago. Following the discovery, he applied for a prospecting licence from the Ministry of Mines and Energy to explore semi-precious stones, which was granted.
However, Skombero alleges that in 2024 he detected illegal mining operations within his claim area.
“I informed the police, since this is the second time this has happened,” said Skombero. “They told me they would refer the matter to the Protective Unit (PU),” he added.
He noted he had opened a case at the Otjimbingwe Police Station after discovering equipment at the site, but the investigation has since stalled. According to Skombero, he later discovered in 2021 that the Exploration Prospecting Licence (EPL) for the area was held under a company called Kema Resources.
In an interview with The Villager, Kema Resources consultant, Josiah Mukutiri, stated that the company is not engaged in any mining activities in the area and would not operate there without proper authorisation.
“Kema Resources is in no way involved in any mining operations at Farm Khunubes and would only proceed with consent from the licence holder and the traditional authority,” said Mukutiri.
Meanwhile, equipment discovered at the site was linked to AFRIDECA, a plant hire company. Gideon Jacobus Koekemoer from AFRIDECA’s accounting department told The Villager that the machinery was hired out by NEXUS. However, multiple attempts to obtain a response from NEXUS were unsuccessful.
At time of publishing, efforts to get clarity from the Ministry of Mines and Energy also yielded no results.
Skombero claims the EPL was renewed this year without his knowledge.
“They are claiming the area to push me out,” he said. “What am I supposed to benefit after spending 10 to 15 years exploring there?” he queried.
Farm Khunubes is a government resettlement farm under the Ministry of Agriculture. When contacted for comment, the ministry’s public relations officer, Jennifer Paulus, said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, as the Ministry of Agriculture is only mandated to help farmers with crop and animal husbandry related matters.
Namibia hosts significant copper ore deposits, especially in the Erongo Region, where several active and prospective mining projects are underway. However, there have been growing reports of illegal mining activities in recent years.
Copper ore is a naturally occurring rock or mineral deposit from which copper metal can be extracted. The most common copper ore mineral is chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂), a copper-iron sulfide.
As the dispute at Farm Khunubes continues, Skombero and others in similar positions hope for greater oversight and intervention from relevant authorities.
