Africa-Press – Namibia. The community of Uis wants at least N$300 million in compensation from the lithium mining company Xinfeng.
The community made the demands during a consultative meeting with the Minister of
Mines and Industries, Modestus Amutse, Mining Commissioner Isabella Chirchir and the Erongo Governor Natalia /Goagoses, in Uis on Friday.
The meeting discussed the illegal mining activities that were happening that resulted in operations being stopped by Chirchir in November 2024.
Chirchir, during the meeting, acknowledged that Xinfeng went into partnership with a Namibian who owns the 10 mining claims in the area.
Investigations by New Era show that the Namibian, Likulano January, has a 5% stake in the Xinfeng operations near Uis, while Chinese nationals Yuqing Liu owns 85%, and Yiming Xie 10%. The company also set up a lithium processing plant valued at an estimated N$600 million.
Demands
Speaking on behalf of the community, Cornelia Atjiwara said they have long been custodians of the land surrounding Brandberg mountains and Uis, preserving its cultural, spiritual and ecological heritage.
“We have been custodians of this land, safeguarding our ancestral graves, secret sites, traditional grazing areas, and wildlife corridors. These form the foundation of our community identity. Yet ongoing mining activities are causing irreversible environmental, cultural and socio-economic harm.
She said that despite the ongoing lucrative mining activities, no improvement has been made in Uis as a town.
“Our demands are clear and must be treated with urgency,” she added.
Atjiwara further explained that mining operations on claims MC73409 and MC73418, which involved lithium extraction and export, were halted in November 2024 following community concerns. “Multiple ancestral graves were damaged during these operations, causing deep cultural and spiritual trauma. The protection of Brandberg sites must be treated with respect and priority,” she said.
The community, she said, had never authorised or consented to the mining activities. “The individuals behind Xinfeng have registered multiple companies, including Ringman, Orange River, Longfire Investment and Xinfeng, and have been shifting claims between them to obscure accountability,” she added.
Atjiwara also told the minister that since 2022, Xinfeng had exported 55 tonnes of
lithium worth nearly N$400 million.
“We demand that N$150 million be deposited into the Tiseb Conservancy coffers and N$150 million into the Dauredaman Traditional Authority Trust Fund. These funds must reach the community through a transparent distribution plan,” she said.
She pointed out that the community is not against mining, but the communities in which such mines operate should benefit from these natural resources.
The community also called for free, prior and informed consent; employment and training of at least 60% locals; and legally binding agreements outlining environmental safeguards, cultural protection, and long-term development initiatives. “Operations should only proceed when these conditions are met.”
Response
Responding, Amutse acknowledged the community’s concerns and stressed the importance of collective dialogue. “I know that you are representing different sectors and occupations, and I recognise all of that. Whatever we address here today, I am appealing to you to address it collectively,” he said.
The minister said his ministry’s focus is to ensure that Namibians benefit from the country’s mineral wealth. “I cannot be a minister looking at our resources being in the hands of people from outside Namibia while our people live in poverty. That I cannot allow,” he said.
Amutse said he has started identifying mineral deposits to reserve for national interest. “We cannot allow all our natural resources just to be dished out. We must preserve them for future generations so that our children can continue to benefit. That is why dishing them out recklessly is something I have serious reservations about,” he said.
He also emphasised capacity building for locals to ensure they can benefit fully from mining opportunities. “It is not just about issuing a licence to a community member and expecting everything to be perfect. Some have the will to participate but need support. That is why we are developing programmes to assist small-scale miners with equipment and expertise,” he said.
On illegal mining activities, Amutse was unequivocal. “I have heard that illegal mining is happening here. I will not tolerate that. We are here to assist you in doing the right thing. We must ensure that our people are employed in positions of ownership and benefit, not merely as general employees,” he said.
He also indicated that he will now consult with Xinfeng and other mining companies in the area to address the community’s concerns. “We will engage directly with these companies to ensure that operations align with community interests, protect cultural heritage, and deliver real benefits to the people of Uis,” he said.
He concluded by urging the community to work together to ensure a fair and sustainable mining sector. “With your support and advice, I am much stronger. Today we must find solutions so that when we return to the ministry, we can implement them. Namibia must come first, and we can only achieve this if we plan and move together,” he said.
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