24 November 2008
Mines and Energy Minister Erkki Nghimtina is contemplating regulations that would put a limit on the amount of unprocessed minerals that can be exported from Namibia.
Nghimtina spoke on Thursday in the National Assembly during the debate on the Minerals (Prospecting and Mining) Amendment Bill.
He said companies are expected to lead the practices of good corporate citizenship, and participate in a wide spectrum of activities.
The carelessness and irresponsible actions by exploration and mining companies to the environment have now been adequately covered in the Environmental Management Act of 2007 and its regulations, he added.
Nghimtina also raised the issue of value addition.
The current local supply of rough diamonds from the Namibia De Beers Diamond (Namdeb) Corporation to the cutting and polishing factories is due to government initiatives, he said.
He said that he is proud to state that the factory in Omaruru also received financial assistance from the Minerals Development Fund, which operates from his ministry, to the tune of N$20 million, adding that the loan was granted at a very favourable interest rate and flexible repayment terms.
Nampa
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