Namibia seeks to protect diamond resources through sound regulatory oversight.

WINDHOEK, April 26– Namibia intends to enhance beneficiation of locally produced diamonds in support of the growth at home strategy, an official said Friday.
Namibia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo said this when he delivered the budget motivation for the 2021/2022 financial year to the National Assembly, where the ministry is requesting a budget allocation of 212,441,000 Namibia dollars (14,856,000 U.S. dollars).
“We will also revise diamond licenses application criteria and conditions, intensify inspection and monitoring of the diamond value chain activities,” he added.
According to Alweendo, his ministry will continue to build the necessary skills and expertise in-house, in the areas of diamond sorting and valuation.
Meanwhile, Alweendo said that another program the ministry would seek to tackle is the regulation of the mining industry in efforts to promote mineral resources potential and attract investors.
“Through this program, the ministry will finalize the redrafting of both the Mining and Diamond Acts. It is planned to table both bills in parliament during the financial year,” he said.
Alweendo said to further enhance transparency and efficient service delivery, the ministry is exploring the introduction of online mineral rights application system.
“More efforts will be geared towards enforcement of laws and conditions of licenses to ensure that operations are conducted under safe conditions,” he said. Xinhua