By Shaka Chai
WINDHOEK, June 28 – The High Court of Namibia delivered a long-awaited judgment on Tuesday, setting aside the decision of the Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, to revoke the Lithium mining license M 243 of Xingfeng Investment (Pty) Ltd. The company is engaged in mining activities in the Uis area of the Daures Constituency in the Erongo region since April 28, 2023.
In his revocation letter to Xingfeng Investment (Pty) Ltd, a Chinese company involved in mining Lithium minerals between Uis and Omaruru, Alweendo accused the company of providing false information during the application process. He directed the company to cease its mining activities, vacate the area, and personally surrender the mining license M 343 at the Mines Commissioner’s office by May 31, 2023.
Considering the minister’s demands unrealistic, the Chinese company sought relief from the High Court, which ruled in their favor. The judge also held the minister responsible for covering Xingfeng Investment (Pty) Ltd’s legal costs, including those of the legal practitioners.
Following the High Court ruling, the Ministry of Mines released a press release accepting the outcome and acknowledging the court’s decision.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s Senior Public Relations Officer, Andreas Simon, it was stated that the ministry respects the court’s decision and will abide by it.
“Since the matter is subjudice due to the ongoing main review that still needs to be litigated in the High Court, the ministry prefers not to comment on the matter,” the statement concluded.
Prior to the High Court decision, the embattled minister faced criticism from his fellow comrade and constituency councillor of Omaruru, Erenst Wetha, who accused the minister of sabotaging development in his constituency through the media.
“As politicians, we are doing our best to attract investors to our constituencies, create jobs, and reduce poverty, and that is exactly what I have done,” Councillor Wetha was quoted as saying in April.
Wetha highlighted the job creation and development brought about by Xingfeng Investment in his constituency, particularly the impact on the town of Omaruru. He demanded that Minister Alweendo reverse his decision to revoke the license.
The Managing Director of Xingfeng Investment (Pty) Ltd declined to comment on the matter, as his phone continued to ring unanswered. The case has been postponed to July 7, 2023, at 10:00 for a status hearing regarding the review application and the way forward. ~Namibia Daily News
