Geological mapping can be used to discover mineral resources: Alweendo

AI-AIS, 22 AUG  – Geological mapping can help in discovering more mineral resources in the //Kharas Region, Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo said on Wednesday.
He was speaking at a stakeholders meeting held at the Ai-Ais Resort in the southern region for ministry officials to officially present a new detailed geological map for the //Kharas Region.
It was also called to share information on the use of the map and to raise awareness of the value of geoscientific instruments.
Alweendo said the region is endowed with various mineral resources, some which are yet to be discovered, and it is the ministry’s effort of ensuring that the extraction of those commodities contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.
The new map, according to the minister, sheds more light on the likely origin of mineral resources in the area, which was unknown before the detailed map.
He said full geological information and knowledge provide scientific support for land-use planning, resources and infrastructure development, adding that knowing where certain geological resources are and how geological processes work are key to maximising the social benefits of the resources and minimising the effect of geo-hazards.
“We build our homes and shops on this land often without knowledge and understanding of what lies beneath. We extract underground water from subsurface reservoirs for domestic, agricultural and industrial use, probably without caring whether it is sustainable or not,” stated Alweendo.
He said Namibia talks of being an industrialised nation by 2030 and for Namibia to realise that goal, it needs mapping and investigation of the raw materials that can be fed into factories to avoid relying heavily on importing raw materials.
“The underlying factor is that access to raw materials is priority for any nation’s economic growth and development,” Alweendo said.
The meeting was attended by a number of stakeholders in the region; farmers, various ministry officials, councillors and representatives from local authorities, the University of Namibia Southern Campus and the Council for Geoscience of South Africa. – NAMPA