By: Mathias Hangala
A local small-scale miner has raised concerns over illegal mining activities in the Karibib District, claiming they obstruct legitimate exploration efforts at Farm Khunubes, a resettlement farm located in the area.
Hango Skombero, who has engaged in small-scale mineral exploration at Farm Khunubes for over a decade, says he discovered copper ore and other minerals in the area approximately two years ago. Following the discovery, he applied for a prospecting licence from the Ministry of Mines and Energy to explore semi-precious stones, which was granted.
However, Skombero alleges that in 2024 he detected illegal mining operations within his claim area.
“I informed the police, since this is the second time this has happened,” said Skombero. “They told me they would refer the matter to the Protective Unit (PU),” he added.
He noted he had opened a case at the Otjimbingwe Police Station after discovering equipment at the site, but the investigation has since stalled. According to Skombero, he later discovered in 2021 that the Exploration Prospecting Licence (EPL) for the area was held under a company called Kema Resources.
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