Xinfeng under police investigation
Mining activities halted following surprise inspection
Xinfeng's management was reportedly summoned to the ministry to account for the alleged illegal mining activities in the exploration area.
Chinese mining company Xinfeng Investments is currently under police investigation after the mines and energy ministry reported them for alleged illegal mining activities.
The charge relates to alleged mining operations near Uis in the Erongo Region, in an area where Xinfeng only holds an exploration licence.
According to a statement issued by the ministry this week, numerous public complaints were submitted regarding Xinfeng’s illegal mining activities. This prompted the office of the mining commissioner to conduct an unexpected inspection of the area on 16 November.
As a result of alleged irregularities discovered on-site, work on the N$600 million lithium processing plant and open-pit mine was halted in early December, and 180 miners were sent home.
“The team confirmed mining activities on the site where only extraction operations were authorised. In response to this finding, the ministry, through the office of the mining commissioner, ordered the immediate cessation of all mining activities by the company in the area,” the statement read.
Close monitoring
Xinfeng's management was reportedly summoned to the ministry to account for the alleged illegal mining activities in the exploration area.
“During this session, which took place at the ministry on 4 and 5 December, the directors of Xinfeng admitted to engaging in unauthorised mining activities concerning the scope and conditions of the exploration licence.”
The ministry has consequently opened a case with the Namibian police, which will further investigate the matter. The ministry has reportedly already put disciplinary measures in place pending the completion of the investigation.
The mining company's activities will be closely monitored going forward, the statement noted.
“The ministry assures the public that this incident is receiving the necessary attention, and based on the findings of the investigation, appropriate steps will be taken for any violations of license conditions."
Report cases
Xinfeng was granted an exploration licence for the exploration of, among others, base and rare metals, industrial minerals and precious metals. This licence only authorised exploration work, not mining activities.
In recent months, the public has expressed concern about the impact these mining activities have had on the environment, as well as the alleged desecration of ancestral graves.
The ministry said it wishes to assure the public that these concerns have not fallen on deaf ears.
“The ministry urges the public to allow the ongoing investigation to proceed. Further information will be provided once the investigation is complete.”
The statement also encouraged members of the public to report any similar abuse by those who have been granted mineral and energy resource rights.
“This incident serves as a warning to all licence holders against any abuse, and they will face legal consequences.”
– [email protected]
The charge relates to alleged mining operations near Uis in the Erongo Region, in an area where Xinfeng only holds an exploration licence.
According to a statement issued by the ministry this week, numerous public complaints were submitted regarding Xinfeng’s illegal mining activities. This prompted the office of the mining commissioner to conduct an unexpected inspection of the area on 16 November.
As a result of alleged irregularities discovered on-site, work on the N$600 million lithium processing plant and open-pit mine was halted in early December, and 180 miners were sent home.
“The team confirmed mining activities on the site where only extraction operations were authorised. In response to this finding, the ministry, through the office of the mining commissioner, ordered the immediate cessation of all mining activities by the company in the area,” the statement read.
Close monitoring
Xinfeng's management was reportedly summoned to the ministry to account for the alleged illegal mining activities in the exploration area.
“During this session, which took place at the ministry on 4 and 5 December, the directors of Xinfeng admitted to engaging in unauthorised mining activities concerning the scope and conditions of the exploration licence.”
The ministry has consequently opened a case with the Namibian police, which will further investigate the matter. The ministry has reportedly already put disciplinary measures in place pending the completion of the investigation.
The mining company's activities will be closely monitored going forward, the statement noted.
“The ministry assures the public that this incident is receiving the necessary attention, and based on the findings of the investigation, appropriate steps will be taken for any violations of license conditions."
Report cases
Xinfeng was granted an exploration licence for the exploration of, among others, base and rare metals, industrial minerals and precious metals. This licence only authorised exploration work, not mining activities.
In recent months, the public has expressed concern about the impact these mining activities have had on the environment, as well as the alleged desecration of ancestral graves.
The ministry said it wishes to assure the public that these concerns have not fallen on deaf ears.
“The ministry urges the public to allow the ongoing investigation to proceed. Further information will be provided once the investigation is complete.”
The statement also encouraged members of the public to report any similar abuse by those who have been granted mineral and energy resource rights.
“This incident serves as a warning to all licence holders against any abuse, and they will face legal consequences.”
– [email protected]
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