Windhoek: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources has raised concerns over the safety and welfare of workers as well as community benefits and value addition during its visit to Okarikua Mining in Ohungumure village in the Opuwo Urban Constituency on Monday. The visit formed part of the committee's oversight mission to assess the operations and challenges facing small-scale mining in the Kunene Region.According to Namibia Press Agency, Okarikua Mining manager Ben Powell stated that the operation currently employs 66 workers and is in the prospecting phase, with core drilling and testing underway to determine the quality, quantity, and depth of the copper deposit before applying for a mining licence. Powell mentioned that the operation is expected to develop into a larger mining project once additional investment is secured. The company is working on improving safety through road demarcation, signage, and the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) to workers.However, committee m embers expressed concerns over the availability of emergency facilities and response mechanisms at the site, particularly in the event of serious injuries. Powell acknowledged that the site currently lacks a reliable communication signal, which poses a challenge for emergency medical response. In the event of a serious collapse or injury, the current solution involves transporting affected individuals by vehicle to the nearest hospital.Additionally, Powell indicated that workers had raised concerns about salaries and anticipated salary increases, noting that the company is financially constrained while pursuing new investment. Community agreements have previously included provisions for skills development, a vegetable gardening project, housing, water tanks, and improved living conditions.Reflecting on the visit, committee chairperson Tobie Aupindi emphasized the necessity for the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy to address the serious challenges observed. He stated that the committee had document ed the concerns raised during the visit and would address them through its oversight process.