Kunene: Small-scale miners in the Kunene Region are calling for financial assistance, mining equipment, and investors to help them commercialise their copper mining operations and resume activities that have been halted by a lack of resources.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the miners have expressed their willingness to continue mining but face significant challenges due to inadequate equipment, funding, and poor road access, which have made it difficult to attract potential investors. Uamuna Tjiposa, a small-scale miner in Ozonungu, Opuwo Rural Constituency, explained that they initially relied on basic tools such as hammers to extract copper but now lack the necessary energy and equipment to proceed.

Tjiposa shared that their mining operations have been at a standstill for approximately 11 to 12 months due to a lack of machinery, despite having begun operations three to four years ago and possessing multiple claims. The challenging terrain, with copper-bearing rocks located in mountainous areas without proper roads, forces miners to use donkeys for transportation, further deterring potential investors.

Burden Jaturire Muharukua, another small-scale miner from Otjorungondo, highlighted similar struggles, noting that mining activities have ceased due to the unavailability of financial resources and essential tools. He emphasized that they had been mining manually but are now unable to continue without the necessary support.

Johnson Kanambunga from Otjorungondo also voiced his need for investors and support from the governor's office to restart his copper mining operations, which began in 2025. He stated that with adequate help, equipment, and tools, they are ready to resume their activities.

Phillip Likando, Personal Assistant in the Office of the Kunene Governor, acknowledged the challenges faced by small-scale miners and expressed the office's interest in finding ways to bring them closer to commercialisation and more standardised practices. This initiative would involve access to facilities, technology, safety measures, and financing to enhance the miners' operations.

The governor's office is set to host a regional mining conference from October 7 to 9, 2026, aiming to address these issues and explore potential solutions.