Namibia is taking a hard line against illegal mining activities by foreign nationals, with recent developments revealing a series of unauthorized operations involving Chinese individuals and companies. The government has launched investigations, filed criminal charges, and moved to expel those implicated in the unlawful exploitation of the country’s mineral resources.
Authorities uncovered a clandestine lead mining operation in the Kunene Region, specifically in villages like Otwani, Etanga, and Omurororwa, within the Epupa constituency. According to the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Chinese nationals, allegedly in partnership with some local actors, had been engaging in unlicensed exploration and mining activities. What raised alarm was the use of falsified documents, which reportedly made it difficult for law enforcement officials to immediately verify the legitimacy of the operations during inspections.
Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, confirmed that preliminary investigations revealed a web of forged permits and manipulated paperwork presented by the suspects to gain access to the mineral-rich sites. “We will not tolerate illegal mining in this country, regardless of who is behind it. Namibia’s resources must be exploited legally and for the benefit of Namibians,” he stated.
In a separate case that has captured national attention, Xinfeng Investments, a Chinese-owned firm operating in the Erongo Region, is facing criminal charges after authorities discovered the company was mining lithium without the appropriate license. Though it held an exclusive prospecting license (EPL), the company was found to be conducting full-scale mining, in direct violation of Namibian mining laws.
The Ministry of Mines and Energy carried out an unannounced inspection that confirmed illegal activities, prompting the government to issue a cease-and-desist order. The ministry also escalated the matter to law enforcement agencies, initiating legal proceedings against Xinfeng Investments.
These revelations have stirred widespread concern among the public and civil society organizations, who fear that Namibia’s rich natural resources are being plundered by foreign interests operating outside the law. There is growing pressure on the government to intensify regulatory oversight and ensure that offenders—whether foreign or local—are held accountable.
President Nangolo Mbumba has thrown his weight behind the crackdown, emphasizing that Namibia’s sovereignty must be respected. “The era of outsiders exploiting our land and resources without consequence is over. We will act decisively to protect our economic future,” he said during a recent national address.
As the investigations unfold, the Namibian government is working closely with immigration and security agencies to remove the foreign nationals involved in illegal mining, while also reviewing the conditions under which mining and exploration licenses are granted.
These moves signal a shift in Namibia’s approach to foreign investment in the extractive industry—one that prioritizes transparency, legality, and national interest.
