Windhoek: Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources, Tobie Aupindi, has called for immediate legislative and institutional reforms in Namibia's small-scale mining sector. This call comes in response to the need to unlock the sector's potential and address ongoing challenges faced by miners.According to Namibia Press Agency, Aupindi made these remarks following the committee's oversight visit to small-scale mining areas in the Erongo Region. The committee's visit included several mining sites where they engaged with small-scale miners, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to assess the sector's current state.Aupindi expressed mixed feelings after the oversight exercise, noting both potential and deficiencies within the sector. He emphasized the need for amendments in Namibia's mineral laws and related policies to incorporate advancements in mining technology and officially recognize small-scale mining as a crucial component of the country's socio-economic development.O ne of the main issues highlighted by Aupindi was the disputes between Exclusive Prospecting Licence (EPL) holders and mining claim holders. He stressed that these disputes require legislative intervention to be resolved legally, particularly when local community members hold the rights.Concerns were echoed by small-scale miners regarding access to mining areas within EPLs. A miner from the Neu-Schwaben Independent Miners' Association in the Otjimbingwe area explained the challenges faced by mining claim holders, who sometimes need permission from EPL holders to access claims, which can be denied.Currently, there is no effective mechanism to manage these disputes, leaving small-scale miners uncertain about their ability to access and work their claims. Aupindi noted that this issue extends beyond the Erongo Region and affects small-scale miners throughout Namibia. He pointed out the disparity between EPL holders, who can sustain their licenses financially, and small mining claim holders, who often resort t o traditional mining methods due to limited resources.