Disgruntled members of the Sorris Sorris community at Khorixas presented a petition to parliamentary standing committee on natural resources chairperson Toubie Aupindi at the Parliament Gardens in Windhoek on Thursday afternoon. In the petition, that was read by Gwyneth //Garoes, the delegation criticises Doro !Nawas and Uibasen conservancies and tourism company Ultimate Safaris for instituting High Court proceedings to oppose the reopening of Goantagab mine in the Sorris Sorris conservancy. The court case was heard on Wednesday and a ruling on the matter is expected on Friday afternoon. The petitioners says they are dismayed that the three applicants, who have no legal standing in the affairs of Sorris Sorris, were using the country’s court system to perpetuate a cycle of poverty in their area. “We are convinced that Ultimate Safaris and the Doro !Nawas and Uibasen conservancies have no legal standing in the affairs of the Dâure Daman Traditional authority, where the mines are situated,”//Garoes said. She said there are about 200 unemployed young people in their community who need jobs at the Goantagab mine but they are being denied by the court application by people who do not have the plight of the marginalised people in the community at heart. “In fact by opposing the opening of the mine, situated in a predominantly mining area, and refusing to co-exist, these people are perpetuating an unending cycle of poverty in our area. “Although the tourist operators are bringing in foreign income, it has no tangible benefits for the locals in terms of employment and infrastructure development. In fact, we have evidence that tourist operators import 90% of their employees from other areas,” she said. “We would like the authorities to ensure that the needs of the community are not neglected for the sake of big money corporations and that mining and tourism should co-exist in the area,” she said. Accepting the petition, Aupindi, who was flanked by former environment minister Pohamba Shifeta, said while the matter is subjudice because it is in court, the committee does not condone the suffering of the people. He said mining and tourism ventures should exists especially in the Erongo and Kunene regions where they already co-exist. “Sorris Sorris is a conservancy on its own with its own mandate and can make its own decisions,” he said. – matthew@namibian.com.na The post Sorris Sorris petitions environment committee appeared first on The Namibian. Disgruntled members of the Sorris Sorris community at Khorixas presented a petition to parliamentary standing committee on natural resources chairperson Toubie Aupindi at the Parliament Gardens in Windhoek on Thursday afternoon. In the petition, that was read by Gwyneth //Garoes, the delegation criticises Doro !Nawas and Uibasen conservancies and tourism company Ultimate Safaris for instituting High Court proceedings to oppose the reopening of Goantagab mine in the Sorris Sorris conservancy. The court case was heard on Wednesday and a ruling on the matter is expected on Friday afternoon. The petitioners says they are dismayed that the three applicants, who have no legal standing in the affairs of Sorris Sorris, were using the country’s court system to perpetuate a cycle of poverty in their area. “We are convinced that Ultimate Safaris and the Doro !Nawas and Uibasen conservancies have no legal standing in the affairs of the Dâure Daman Traditional authority, where the mines are situated,”//Garoes said. She said there are about 200 unemployed young people in their community who need jobs at the Goantagab mine but they are being denied by the court application by people who do not have the plight of the marginalised people in the community at heart. “In fact by opposing the opening of the mine, situated in a predominantly mining area, and refusing to co-exist, these people are perpetuating an unending cycle of poverty in our area. “Although the tourist operators are bringing in foreign income, it has no tangible benefits for the locals in terms of employment and infrastructure development. In fact, we have evidence that tourist operators import 90% of their employees from other areas,” she said. “We would like the authorities to ensure that the needs of the community are not neglected for the sake of big money corporations and that mining and tourism should co-exist in the area,” she said. Accepting the petition, Aupindi, who was flanked by former environment minister Pohamba Shifeta, said while the matter is subjudice because it is in court, the committee does not condone the suffering of the people. He said mining and tourism ventures should exists especially in the Erongo and Kunene regions where they already co-exist. “Sorris Sorris is a conservancy on its own with its own mandate and can make its own decisions,” he said. – matthew@namibian.com.na The post Sorris Sorris petitions environment committee appeared first on The Namibian.

Renthia Kaimbi Mining claims holder Timoteus Mashuna has been spared from losing his Goantagab mining claims after the mine settled N$52 950 in legal costs sought by Ultimate Safaris.  The payment, which covered taxed costs and interest, stopped the deputy sheriff of Windhoek from auctioning off eight of Mashuna’s mining claims following a court-issued warrant. […]

Renthia Kaimbi The High Court has dismissed an urgent application brought by the Doro !Nawas Conservancy, Uibasen Twyfelfontein Conservancy, #Aodaman Traditional Authority and Ultimate Safaris to stop mining activities at the Goantagab tin mine. Judge Boas Usiku delivered the ruling on Friday, striking the case from the roll for lack of urgency.  The court ordered […]

Renthia Kaimbi Mining claims holder Timoteus Mashuna has been spared from losing his Goantagab mining claims after the mine settled N$52 950 in legal costs sought by Ultimate Safaris.  The payment, which covered taxed costs and interest, stopped the deputy sheriff of Windhoek from auctioning off eight of Mashuna’s mining claims following a court-issued warrant. The warrant, dated 22 October 2025, had authorised the deputy sheriff to attach and auction the claims registered under Mashuna’s name.  The execution proceedings followed a recent legal defeat for Ultimate Safaris, which had been ordered to pay Mashuna’s legal costs after its failed attempt to stop mining operations in the Sorris Sorris Conservancy. Last month, the Windhoek High Court dismissed an urgent application by Ultimate Safaris and several conservancies seeking to halt blasting at Mashuna’s Goantagab Mine.  High Court judge Boas Usiku struck the case off the roll for lack of urgency and ordered the applicants to pay costs. That ruling gave the mine permission to continue operations. However, on 10 October 2025, High Court acting judge Reinhard Totemeyer issued an interdict stopping the use of heavy machinery at the mine.  Mashuna, through Appolos Shimakeleni Lawyers, has since appealed the ruling. The ongoing legal fight has deepened the divide between conservation and mining interests in the Sorris Sorris Conservancy.  The area, known for its black rhino population and tourism potential, also contains valuable tin deposits. Mashuna criticised Ultimate Safaris for engaging in actions he described as contradictory and unreasonable. “This is ridiculous,” he said. “What were their intentions? To auction off the claims and then take the new claims holder to court like they did to me?” He maintains that his operations are lawful and beneficial to the community, with the potential to create 150 to 250 jobs for locals.  He has accused Ultimate Safaris of having unlawful and abusive joint ventures with conservancies that bring little benefit to residents. The conservancy itself is now facing internal turmoil. Members of the Sorris Sorris Conservancy management committee passed a vote of no confidence in their chairperson, Elia Muatumbulange-Manga.  He was accused of drafting an unauthorised letter claiming the conservancy wanted to oppose mining by changing its legal status in court. The vice chairperson, Rhodella Eichas, confirmed the vote, saying Manga failed to present minutes from the February AGM that supposedly supported opposition to mining.  She added that the committee plans to hold an extraordinary meeting on 6 December 2025 to withdraw the conservancy from the Red Mountain Joint Management Agreement. Traditional leader chief Sakarias Seibeb of the Dâure Daman Traditional Authority supports coexistence between tourism and mining.  He has accused Ultimate Safaris of blocking local development and threatened to evict the company from his communal area for operating Camp Doros without a leasehold. Ultimate Safaris and conservation groups argue that mining threatens black rhino conservation and a planned N$100 million luxury lodge.  Mining advocates, however, say operations like Goantagab Mine bring real economic benefits. Andrada Mining, which has an ore-supply agreement with Goantagab, reported spending N$505 million on Namibian suppliers and N$84 million on wages, royalties and community projects last year.

Mynbouaktiwiteite in die Goantagab-gebied, suidoos van Twyfelfontein in die Kunene-streek geleë, hou steeds ‘n ernstige bedreiging vir plaaslike wildlewe in. Simson Uri-Khob, uitvoerende hoof van Save the Rhino Trust, het gewaarsku dat die risiko van stropery steeds hoog bly, aangesien mynwerkers al gevang is met strikke. Sy kommentaar volg op die onlangse stroop van ‘n […]

Renthia Kaimbi A member of parliament and chairperson of the parliamentary standing committee on agriculture, environment, and natural resources, Tobie Aupindi, says the ongoing opposition to the Goantagab Mine in the Kunene region undermines government authority and exposes “economic racism” against entrepreneurs. He said the government ministries had issued legitimate licenses for the mining operations, yet legal challenges persist.  “We cannot allow a situation where economic opportunities are weaponised against black people in their own country,” he said. The dispute over the Goantagab Mine is currently before the High Court, where Ultimate Safaris and several conservancies are seeking to stop mining operations by Timoteus Mashuna and Ottilie Ndimulunde. Mashuna, represented by Apollos Shimakeleni Lawyers, said the mine is expected to create between 150 and 250 jobs.  Ultimate Safaris, however, argues that the mining activities threaten the endangered black rhino and a planned N$100 million luxury lodge in the area. Aupindi said the mine had been operational since the 1920s without objection when it was white-owned, questioning why opposition only emerged after it became black-owned. “I see this as a clear case of economic racism against black people. This mine has been in operation since the 1920s, and there was never an issue when it was white-owned. Yet suddenly, when a black-owned company takes over, it becomes a problem. This double standard is economic racism in its purest form.” He argued that mining and tourism can coexist.  “Mining and tourism can co-exist, and in fact, they can support and enhance one another. It is happening in Erongo and other regions, where the two sectors co-exist,” he said.  Aupindi described the Goantagab Mine as critical to the region’s economy, saying it could provide hundreds of jobs in communities facing poverty.  “It is the lifeline of the surrounding communities and of Uis,” he said. He maintained that local support for the mine is stronger than the opposition claims.  “The opponents of this mining project belong to the Doro !Nawas Conservancy, while the mine is within the confines of the Sorris Sorris Conservancy, and both the Sorris Sorris Conservancy together with His Royal Highness, the chief of the area, fully support the mining activities,” he said. “We will not stand by and allow such double standards to continue in this country,” he added. Ministers blamed for letting conflict escalate Another member of parliament, Immanuel Nashinge, shared similar sentiments, describing the opposition to the mine as “economic sabotage”.  He said, while tourism is valuable, the argument that a luxury lodge offers greater benefit than a mine is “economically illiterate”. “The stance taken by Ultimate Safaris is not merely business; it is an act of economic sabotage and arrogance that undermines our laws and the well-being of our people. The argument that a luxury lodge is of greater economic value than a mining operation does not withstand scrutiny,” Nashinge said. He noted that the mining sector employs thousands of Namibians in long-term jobs and contributes billions to the national budget. Nashinge called on the responsible ministers to intervene.  “The two ministers have folded their hands for too long, allowing one investor to use media and legal technicalities to effectively veto the lawful activities of another. This creates a dangerous precedent that policy is set not by legislation but by the loudest voice. The ministers have failed!” he said. Nashinge vowed to defend economic fairness.  “We will ensure that national economic development is not held hostage by the narrow interests of a few. To suggest that a single lodge owned by foreigners will bring better benefits than mining is an insult to the intelligence of our people.”

Renthia Kaimbi Ultimate Safaris managing director Tristan Cowley has filed an urgent court interdict to halt mining and blasting activities at Goantagab.  He says the operations threaten a planned N$100 million luxury lodge and the survival of black rhinos in the area. In his sworn affidavit dated 29 September 2025, Cowley told the High Court that the mining must be halted to protect a tourism investment that depends on international conservation funding.  The lodge project, named Doros Plains, is tied to a repayable loan from the Africa Conservation and Communities Tourism Trust (ACCT) Fund, supported by the Nature Conservancy and Germany’s development agency KfW. Cowley said the funding is conditional on protecting the wilderness and wildlife that form the foundation of the tourism model.  He warned that the mining operations endanger both the investment and the rhino population that drives high-value tourism. He cited a similar case in the //Huab Conservancy, where blasting activities allegedly forced rhinos out of the area, leading to the collapse of a previous tourism venture.  “This funding is a positive move for conservation in Namibia and will be a massive investment to the local community in the JMA,” Cowley said.  The planned Doros Plains Lodge is part of a conservation tourism model expected to generate over N$300 million for local conservancies over 25 years.  Cowley described the dispute as a clash between conservation-driven tourism and short-term mineral extraction. The conflict has divided local communities. The chief of the Dâure Daman Traditional Authority, Zacharias Seibeb, has threatened to evict Ultimate Safaris, questioning the legality of its leasehold for Camp Doros.  He has expressed support for mining activities, saying they promise jobs for the community. In his answering affidavit, mining claims holder Timoteus Mashuna challenged Ultimate Safaris’ case, calling it “procedurally flawed and substantively unfounded.”  He argued that only the minister of environment, forestry and tourism has the authority to suspend a mining licence and not the court. Mashuna said Ultimate Safaris and the conservancies lack legal standing, describing their joint venture agreements as “unlawful” and inconsistent with the Communal Land Reform Act.  He claimed that the so-called joint management area created through these agreements is not recognised under Namibian law. He also alleged that Ultimate Safaris operates Camp Doros illegally on communal land without a valid leasehold. Mashuna attached a letter showing that the company’s leasehold application had been refused. He said the Sorris Sorris Conservancy and the Dâure Daman Traditional Authority support his mining operations, which he claims will create between 150 and 250 local jobs. Mashuna has dismissed Ultimate Safaris’ financial projections as “inflated” and described the Camp Doros joint venture as “inequitable” and “abusive” toward the community. He presented calculations to support his claims, saying the deal offers very little to the 1 300 residents of the Sorris Sorris conservancy. Using the lodge’s own pricing, Mashuna said a two-night stay costing a tourist over N$13 000 results in only N$133.33 being shared among the entire community.  He further broke down Ultimate Safaris’ projected N$300 million revenue, arguing that the conservancies would receive just N$15.55 to N$38.88 over 25 years, while the company would retain between N$272 million and N$294 million. For the Sorris Sorris conservancy specifically, Mashuna said the deal amounts to a monthly rental of just 38 cents per hectare for land given up for conservation. He denied that mining threatens black rhinos, stating that pre-blast surveys are conducted and no rhinos have been sighted near the site since he began visiting in 2022. Mashuna said mining has taken place at the same location for decades under a previous licence, which Ultimate Safaris never opposed.  He said the safari company’s challenge is not about conservation but a bid to control the land for tourism profits that bring limited benefits to the community.

[Namibian] The large-scale blasting at the Goantagab mine in the Sorris Sorris conservancy near Khorixas last Friday has reignited debate over the potential threat to desert-adapted rhinos, tourism and the interests of traditional leaders.

Renthia Kaimbi The High Court has dismissed an urgent application brought by the Doro !Nawas Conservancy, Uibasen Twyfelfontein Conservancy, #Aodaman Traditional Authority and Ultimate Safaris to stop mining activities at the Goantagab tin mine. Judge Boas Usiku delivered the ruling on Friday, striking the case from the roll for lack of urgency.  The court ordered the applicants to pay the costs of the first respondent, Timoteus Mashuna, including fees for “one instructing and two instructed legal practitioners.”  The urgent application, filed on Thursday, sought to block scheduled blasting on Mashuna’s mining claims. The applicants argued that the activities violated a previous interdict issued in August 2024.  The mine is located in the Sorris Sorris Conservancy, under the custodianship of the Dâure Daman Traditional Authority led by chief Sakarias Seibeb, and not under the #Aodaman authority that joined the challenge. Seibeb has previously accused tourism operator Ultimate Safaris of interfering in Sorris Sorris governance.  The latest ruling leaves the #Aodaman authority exposed to financial risk for becoming involved in matters outside its jurisdiction. When contacted for comment by the Windhoek Observer, #Aodaman acting chief Christofine Claasen hung up the phone, rejected further calls and later switched her phone off.  The minister of urban and rural development, James Sankwasa, also declined to comment, saying he was not aware of the case details.  “When they went to court, they did not involve the ministry. I am not fully aware of the case details, so I cannot comment at this stage,” Sankwasa said. The ruling is the latest development in a long-running dispute between mining proponents Mashuna and Ottilie Ndimulunde and conservation groups backed by Ultimate Safaris and several conservancies. At stake is the future of the joint management area bordering Uibasen Twyfelfontein, Doro !Nawas, and Sorris Sorris conservancies.  The Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) has already declared the area unlawful. Proponents argue that reopening the Goantagab tin mine, which operated from the early 20th century until 2019, would create more than 100 jobs and deliver economic benefits to local communities.  They note that 75% of Namibia’s mining revenue comes from protected areas, saying mining and conservation can coexist. Conservationists warn that renewed mining threatens the endangered black rhino population translocated to Sorris Sorris between 2005 and 2010 under the Black Rhino Custodianship Scheme.  They say road construction, blasting, and increased human activity would disturb rhino habitats and raise poaching risks. The dispute has divided communities and traditional authorities. While the Dâure Daman Traditional Authority supports mining for its economic benefits, the #Aodaman Traditional Authority and its conservancies remain opposed, citing environmental concerns. 

Renthia Kaimbi Chief Sakarias Seibeb of the Daure Daman Traditional Authority has accused  tourism operator Ultimate Safaris of charging “illegal” fees and interfering in conservancy governance by erecting two toll gates at the entrance to the Goantagab mining area in the Sorris Sorris conservancy.  The company charges  foreign tourists N$100, Namibians N$50, and N$150 per vehicle entering the Joint Management Area (JMA) as a “conservation fee”. Ultimate Safaris operates the Onduli Ridge lodge in the Uibasen Twyfelfontein conservancy.  Seibeb said he is considering withdrawing the Sorris Sorris conservancy from the JMA, which borders the Uibasen Twyfelfontein and Doro !Nawas conservancies. “We have previously raised numerous concerns regarding the interference of tourism operators in this area. What they want are exclusive rights to solely operate in another conservancy while not even having a leasehold or Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC). They don’t even have jurisdiction over the Sorris Sorris conservancy for which I am the custodian,” he said. The Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) has already found the JMA to be illegal, citing exclusivity clauses that block other tourism and economic activities.  Its legality is still under review by the ministry of environment, forestry and tourism and the NaCC. The toll gate signage has also drawn criticism for omitting the Goantagab mining zone, which has been active since the early 20th century and continued operating until 2019.  Mining advocates say this reflects efforts to erase mining’s history and economic role in the area. Tensions have grown as mining companies seek to revive the Goantagab tin mine.  Mining claimants Timoteus Mashuna and Ottilie Ndimulunde, supported by Sinco Holdings and Birca Mining, want to restart operations, promising over 100 jobs and local economic benefits.  Andrada Mining Ltd, which signed an ore supply deal with Goantagab Mining, has urged balance. “Mining and the environment are often seen as being in conflict, but they can coexist if approached with care,” said Andrada’s head of exploration, Timothy Marais.  He noted that 75% of Namibia’s mining revenue comes from operations within protected areas.  “Namibia has shown that coexistence is not only possible, it is feasible. The key lies in responsible practices and embedding sustainability at every stage.” Rhino threat warning  Tourism operators, however, warn of damage to rhino habitats. Ultimate Safaris secured High Court interdicts in October and December 2024 to halt mining, arguing it would threaten endangered black rhinos and harm the tourism industry.  Four black rhinos were translocated to the Sorris Sorris conservancy under the Black Rhino Custodianship Scheme between 2005 and 2010, while another operator held a mining licence in the same area until 2019 without facing court action. Ultimate Safaris has repeatedly blocked mining activities.  In May 2025, the company stopped a tipper truck from loading mining stockpiles for transport to Uis.  In a letter to Mashuna’s lawyers, the company insisted that “while the interdicts are in place, no activity of any kind, including the uploading and removal of mining material from the site, is allowed on the mining claims or in the area.” Mashuna rejected the claims, citing the B2Gold Mine near Otjiwarongo, which he said had not driven away rhino populations.  He also referred to a 2024 inspection report by environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti, who found mining activities “generally compliant” with the Environmental Clearance Certificate, with only minor issues noted. “We intend to employ up to 150 young people from the local community. Our mining claims cover only a small area of about four square kilometres hidden in the mountains, while the rest of more than 2,000 hectares remain available for tourism activities. I don’t see how we can’t co-exist,” said Mashuna. The conflict has divided communities and traditional authorities. The Daure Daman Traditional Authority supports mining, while the Aodaman Traditional Authority and its conservancies oppose it.  The dispute over toll gates, mining rights, and rhino protection continues to fuel clashes between conservation and development in the Kunene region.

Andrada Mining has signed an ore supply and profit sharing agreement with Goantagab Mining effective 6 June. The agreement is between Andrada’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Uis Tin Mining Company, and Goantagab Mining. Under the agreement, Goantagab will supply up to 240 000 tonnes per year of high-grade tin ore, averaging 1.5% tin, to the Uis facility. Initially, 100% of the net profit generated from the sales of Goantagab ore will be directed towards repaying the debt Andrada incurred for the procurement of its recently announced additional jig plant at Uis, as well as covering related working capital requirements. Once all debt obligations for the new plant are fully settled, the profit-sharing model will shift. At that point, 100% of the net profit will be shared equally between Uis Tin Mining and Goantagab Mining. If the ore is processed through the existing Uis plant, the profit split will be 60% to Uis Tin Mining and 40% to Birca, the parent company of Goantagab Mining. Andrada Mining chief executive Anthony Viljoen says the agreement will yield mutual benefits for both parties. “This initial phase of profit allocation is a clear demonstration of our commitment to financial prudence and ensuring the swift operationalisation of our new processing capabilities. It’s about setting a strong foundation for sustained shared success,” says Viljoen. Goantagab Mining is jointly owned by Birca and Boltbroker Investments. The company serves as the operating agent on behalf of the owners of 18 mining claims located in the Goantagab area of Namibia’s Kunene region, near Khorixas. In accordance with its internal, unaudited management accounts to 12 June 2025, Goantagab Mining has no turnover, profits or asset value. Andrada has the option to fully acquire Goantagab Mining for US$15 million, provided certain conditions are met. The post Andrada, Goantagab sign profit sharing agreement appeared first on The Namibian.

Andrada Mining inks ore acquisition agreement at Goantagab in Namibia  marketscreener.com

Kunene governor Vipuakuje Muharukua says he is not taking the Goantagab mine dispute about jobs versus the environment lightly. He says he is consulting all stakeholders, including ministers to find a solution to the dispute around the mine in the Dâures constituency near Khorixas. He said this on Monday after undertaking a fact-finding visit to Goantagab Mine on Friday. The governor was accompanied by the secretary of the Swapo Party Youth League, Ephraim Nekongo. “We convened a ministerial meeting last night, and you can rest assured, we policymakers have conservation at heart, as well as the prospects that any commercial activity in the country and in the region might have. We are not taking it lightly. It’s not business as usual,” he said, although he declined to disclose more information. The reopening of the mine is at the centre of a dispute between tourism company Ultimate Safaris, the Doro Nawas and Uibasen Twyfelfontein conservancies on one hand, and Timoteus Mashuna, Ottilie Ndimulunde and the Sorris Sorris conservancy on the other. The dispute is currently before the courts. The governor’s tour follows a petition by Herman Naruseb, the senior councillor of the Dâure Daman Traditional Authority, for Muharukua to intervene in the dispute so that the community can benefit through job creation. Sinco Holdings chief operations officer for mining operations David Tomas says the company plans to employ up to 150 young people from the local community in developing the Goantagab Mine in partnership with South African mining firm Birca Mining. Managing director of Ultimate Safaris Tristan Cowley, however, strongly opposes the reopening of the mine. “Mining displaces desert-adapted black rhino, and if rhino are displaced, the economy that relies on them would be affected too,” he says. In addition, he argues the reopening of the mine, located in the Sorris Sorris conservancy under the Dâure Daman Traditional Authority, will increase the risks of poaching, further endangering the rhino population in the area. The governor said he was still waiting for Ultimate Safaris to give their view of the dispute before he proposes a solution. Last week Cowley acknowledged receipt of the governor’s request, but said the three conservancies – Sorris Sorris, Doro Nawas, and Uibasen Twyfelfontein – would write a joint response to the governor’s letter. He said he did not think the governor’s intervention would help resolve a dispute that is already subject to court proceedings. Muharukua played down claims that there are only four rhinos – three adults and a calf – in the area, covering 98 000ha. “Well, I have not seen a rhino . . . so that could be hearsay,” the governor said. Cowley said: “Rhino numbers are with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and the Save the Rhino Trust, and are not shared for security reasons. Maybe check with them. “Regardless, the rhino in that area are the cornerstone of the nature-based wildlife economy in that area.” Mashuna welcomed the governor’s visit and said his company would be willing to sponsor installing tracking devices on all the rhinos in the area to contribute to conservation efforts. “In addition we could utilise their lodges to accommodate visitors and consultants visiting the mine,” he said. Cowley said he was not aware of the governor’s visit to the mine and that conservancies had written in response to Muharukua. – email:matthew@namibian.com.na The post Governor steps into Goantagab Mine dispute appeared first on The Namibian.

Ngoloneya woshitopolwahoololo shaKunene Vipuakuje Muharukua okwa pula ovanhu ovo ve na eenamanana komnbinga yokupatululula omina yedina Goantagab i li popepi noKhorixas opo va twale ouyelele kombinga yoshikumungu eshi kombelewa yaye. Oshinima eshi oshe ya konima kamusela omukulunhu welelo lopamufyuululwakalo laDaure Daman, Herman Naruseb a shangela ngoloneya opo a ye mo meenamanana omu, odo da yuka keemhangu. “Exulifepo loinima yokufukula oikwamina ola kuma oshiwana, unene ngaa oilyo oyo kwa li ya kutwa pakafimbo pefimbo loilonga yomina yefimbo lixupi. Ekanifo loiyemo la etwa koshinima eshi otali twikile nokukuma omaxupilo nomalimbililo kombinga yonakwiiwa yoproyeka ei otaa ningi ahapu,” Naruseb osho a nyola ngaho. Omina yaGoantagab oi li moSorris Sorris, koshi yelelo lopamufyuululwakalo laDaure Daman.” “Omukanda oo nda tuminwa koshiwana shaDaure Daman ondi u shi ndee ombelewa yange oya pula ovakufimbinga opo va ete omadilaadilo avo, nonda teelela omanyamukulo okudja kuvo,” Ngoloneya osho a ti ngaho. Momafiku 16 Mei, ombelewa yangoloneya oya shangela kuTimoteus Mashuna, mwene woikwamina yokoGoantagab noUltimate Safaris, ehangano lomatalelepo tali longele monhele omo. “Ombelewa oya mona kutya Ultimate Safaris naTimoteus Mashuna ova kwa telwa meenamanana edi doikwamina moshikandjohoololo shaDaures notava kongo omapotokonono eenamanana edi. Ngoloneya okwa yeleka efimano lomatalelepo, okukwatela po okukaleka po inamwenyo noimeno nokufukula oikwamina moshiwana shetu noshitopolwahoololo . . . nota pula nefimaneko linene mu ete omaliudo eni kombinga yoshikumungu eshi,” Omukanda osho wa ti ngaho. Muharukua okwa ti oshinima eshi otashi mu vatele opo a kale e na eudeko la wana kombinga yoshikumungu eshi nopo nee ta dulu okumona kutya oshike shi na okuningwa po.” “Inandi hala okukala ndi na ouyelele inau wana, ashike onda itavela kutya ohatu dulu okweeta omahangano aa avali kumwe. “Otwa hala okukaleka po, otwa hala omatalelepo, otwa hala yo okutota oilonga, otwa hala okufukula oikwamina, ndee kandi wete ngee osho sha halika apa osha yooloka kwaasho,” Ngoloneya osho a ti ngaho. Mashuna okwa tambula ko omadilaadilo aMuharukua kutya omawa.” Oilonga yange otai pula ashike okanhele kashona keesquare kilomita di li nhee da holama meendudu ndee eehecta adishe di dulife po2 000 odi li po doinima ya pamba omatalelepo,” Osho a ti ngaho. Mashuna okwa ti okwa li a shangela kungoloneya mukulu Marius Sheya kombinga yeenamanana shaashi “onghalo otai i moshipala eyokomesho loproyeka oyo tai dulu okweeta omauwa ahapu koshitopolwahoololo shaKunene”. Omunambelewa kulunhu wehangano ledina Ultimate Safaris, Tristan Cowley okwa koneka kutya okwa mona omukanda wangoloneya ashike okwa ti eenhele doinamwenye di li nhatu – Sorris Sorris, Doro Nawas noUibasen Twyfelfontein – otadi ka shanga omukanda umwe di nyamukule ngoloneya. “Eshi oshinima shi li pokati keenhele edi dokwaamena oinamwenyo, Ultimate Safaris, Mashuna naOttilie (Ndimulunde).” Okwa ti ita dilaadila ngee ekufombinga langoloneya otali vatele okupotokonona eenamanana odo da teelela nale oihokolola yokomhangu. Ashike nande ongaho, ngoloneya okwa ti oku na eshiivo kutya oshikumungu eshi osha teelela oihokolola momhangu. “Kandi wete ngee otashi dulu oku tu imba ongepangelo tu potokonone eenamanana, shaashi omukanda otau popi kombinga yokweeta oilonga, ovanhu ovo vehe na oilonga paife, sho osho oshi li shotete moikumungu yoSwapo, onghee nee otwa hala tu wapaleke osho shi li pokati komahangano aa avali, pakutala koukwatya nondjudo yeenamanana,” Osho a ti ngaho. Ngoloneya okwa ti ota ka talela po onima ei diva. The post Ngoloneya waKunene a tya ko sha keenamanana dokufukula oikwamina koshitopolwa oko appeared first on The Namibian.

Kunene governor Vipuakuje Muharukua has asked parties to a dispute over the reopening of Goantagab Mine near Khorixas to make presentations on the issue to his office. This comes after Dâure Daman Traditional Authority senior councillor Herman Naruseb petitioned the governor to intervene in the dispute, which has spilled into the courts. “The suspension of the mining activities has had a direct and adverse impact on our community, particularly on those members who were temporarily employed during the mine’s brief operational period. The resultant income loss continues to affect livelihoods, and uncertainty around the future of the project is a growing concern,” Naruseb says in the petition. Goantagab Mine is located in the Sorris Sorris conservancy, under the Dâure Daman Traditional Authority.” “I am aware of the petition sent to me by the Dâure Daman community and my office has asked the stakeholders to make presentations, and I await responses from them,” the governor said on Monday. On 16 May, the governor’s office wrote to Timoteus Mashuna, who owns mining claims at Goantagab, and Ultimate Safaris, a tourism company operating in the area. “Our office notes with interest that Ultimate Safaris and Timoteus Mashuna are engaged in a dispute over mining activities in the Dâures constituency and requires dispute resolution measures. The governor emphasises the importance of tourism, conservation and mining in our nation and region … and cordially invites your representation on the matter,” reads the letter. Muharukua said this will enable him to have more insight into this issue and thus determine the course ahead.” “I don’t want to have preconceived ideas, but I trust we can bring the two companies together. “We want to conserve, we want tourism, we also want to create jobs, we want to mine, and I don’t think these two interests are mutually exclusive,” the governor said.Mashuna welcomes Muharukua’s intervention as progressive.” My claims cover only a small area of about four square kilometres hidden in the mountains and the rest of more than 2 000 hectares is there for tourism activities,” he says. Mashuna says he had written to former governor Marius Sheya over the dispute because “the situation is impeding the progress of a project that holds substantial promise for the Kunene region”. Ultimate Safaris managing director Tristan Cowley acknowledges receipt of the governor’s letter but says the three conservancies – Sorris Sorris, Doro Nawas, and Uibasen Twyfelfontein – will write a joint response to the governor. “This is a matter between the conservancies, Ultimate Safaris, Mashuna, and Ottilie (Ndimulunde).” He says he does not think the governor’s intervention would help resolve a dispute that is already subject to court proceedings. The governor, however, said he was aware of the court proceedings on the matter. “I don’t think it prevents us as a government to address the dispute, because the petition talks about potential employment creation, and people who are now without jobs, and that is high on the agenda of Swapo, so we want to strike a balance between the two entities, depending on the nature, and extent of the dispute,” he said. The governor said he will be visiting the mine soon. – matthew@namibian.com.na The post Kunene governor intervenes in mine dispute appeared first on The Namibian.

[Namibian] Managing director of tourism company Ultimate Safaris Tristan Cowley has criticised law enforcement failing to stop the removal of ore from the Goantagab Mine in the Sorris Sorris Conservancy in the Kunene region, "in violation of a court interdict".

Managing director of tourism company Ultimate Safaris Tristan Cowley has criticised law enforcement failing to stop the removal of ore from the Goantagab Mine in the Sorris Sorris Conservancy in the Kunene region, “in violation of a court interdict”. On Saturday, Cowley told The Namibian that Timoteus Mashuna and Ottilie Ndimulunde, who have mining claims in the area – supported by Nexus, Sinco Holdings and Birca Mining – went to the mining site with heavy machinery last Thursday and removed mined ore on Friday afternoon and evening, despite police visiting the site on Friday morning. This was confirmed by Pieter Hougaard, who said he has applied for a new mining licence after his Goantagab licence was cancelled. He also said the stockpile, worth N$5 million, belonged to him. ‘CONTEMPT OF COURT’ Cowley claimed Mashuna and Ndimulunde were in contempt of a court order, and lamented what he described as “little respect even for the rule of law”. The police regional commander for Kunene, commissioner James Nderura, confirmed police received the report and went to the site where they found no mining activity taking place. However, they could not intervene in any operations because they lacked a written court order related to mining violations. Mashuna said moving the ore aligned with the terms of the court interdict. “Tristan Cowley is interpreting the court order selectively to suit his narrative,” said Mashuna on Saturday. Ultimate Safaris, as well as the Doro !Nawas and Uibasen Twyfelfontein conservancies under the Aodaman Traditional Authority are opposed to mining at Goantagab. Their legal representatives have threatened contempt of court proceedings against Mashuna, with Cowley arguing that heavy mining machinery will drive away the rhino on which his business is based. The case has spilled into the High Court, where both Mashuna and Ndimulunde were interdicted from any mining in the area. Additionally, judge Esi Schimming-Chase ordered on 16 October 2024 that Ndimulunde (or anyone employed by her) was interdicted from using heavy machinery to construct a new road to the mining claims, and from conducting any mining on the claims. A similar order was made against Mashuna by justice AJ Miller on 24 August 2024. However, Mashuna says the interdicts are conditional to the decision of the environment commissioner or the minister. “The environmental commissioner did not call for stoppage on mining,” Mashuna argued. In a report compiled after an inspection of the site on 5 and 6 October 2024, following complaints by the conservancies and Ultimate Safaris, environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti said that the activities on the mining claims was “generally compliant” with the conditions set out in the Environment Clearance Certificate. Mufeti also said the non-compliant aspects – such as those related to road upgrades – were insignificant and did not warrant suspension of cancellation of the clearance certificate. CO-EXIST Chief Sakarias Seibeb of the Dâure Daman Traditional Authority also expressed concern that Ultimate Safaris were motivated by a desire to control “27 hectares” (about 27 football fields) of land. This was in reference to the joint management area the conservancies applied to establish on a 99-year leasehold, over which opponents believe Ultimate Safaris would have had exclusive rights. The Kunene Land Board rejected to the conservancies’ application. “When Hougaard mined there, Ultimate Safaris did not mind,” said Seibeb, who called for co-existence between tourism and mining. However, Cowley rejected the proposition of co-existence, claiming that rhino-focused tourism does not co-exist anywhere in the world. “A study at the Huab Conservancy showed that mining displaced rhinos and operations dependant on them,” he said. However, Mashuna disputed this, citing the B2Gold Mine near Otjiwarongo as an example of large scale open pit mining that has not driven away rhino populations. – email: matthew@namibian.com.na The post Tour operator slams police over mining dispute appeared first on The Namibian.

--- RIVERS CONTINUE TO RISE: The impact of the persistent heavy rains in the central and western parts of the country is evident not only in the flooded roads across many areas but also in the dams and rivers. The Omaruru, Swakop, Goantagab, and Avis…

An attempt by an aspiring mine developer to apply for leave to appeal against a court order blocking her mining operations at Goantagab has failed. Ottilie Ndimulunde’s application to appeal against a High Court decision ended in failure on Friday…

A legal dispute between three neighbouring conservancies in the Kunene region over the reopening of Goantagab Mine is straining their once peaceful relationship. The three neighbouring conservancies fall under two traditional authorities – the Daure…