XINFENG Investments, which mines lithium in the Daures constituency, has “clarified any misunderstandings” with the Daure Daman Traditional Authority (DDTA) regarding its mining operations.
On 14 March, The Namibian reported on Daures community members, farmers and small miners protesting against the company’s mining activities, which they claim is illegal.
A petition was submitted to the mine, and protestors warned that if the company did not heed their concerns, they would block mine trucks from transporting ore.
Xinfeng claims the petition contains misinformation.
In response to questions from The Namibian, the company, through its legal and public relations representatives, Nambili Mhata Legal Practitioners, said Xinfeng Investments is a Namibian company and a subsidiary of Tangshan Xinfeng Lithium Industry Company in China.
“Our mission is to develop a sustainable mining and energy sector in Namibia while leaving a positive impact on the communities we operate in.”
Xinfeng said it received consent from the traditional authority on 5 April 2022.
The Namibian has seen a copy of the letter in which DDTA chief Zacharias Seibeb corresponds with former mining commissioner Erasmus Shivolo.
“Although we are aware of the adverse environmental impact these mining activities have on land biodiversity and much-needed groundwater, we are also taking serious cognisance of the envisaged job creation and the company’s commitments to work very closely with us to implement their social responsibility programmes.
“The traditional authority would like to notify your office that we have no objection for the company to do the exploration in our area.”
The petition asserts that mining operations are being carried out on land acquired from a previous owner, and that the company has not paid royalties on the minerals it exports.
The company is also accused of not following the proper channels and procedures, contravening the Environmental Management Act, and not conducting an environmental impact assessment (EIA).
The community also claims the company exports other minerals in the area, in addition to lithium, such as tin, tantalum, and fluorspar tourmaline.
As such, the community demands that the company do official assessments of the minerals it is mining.
Xinfeng Investments said with the DDTA’s consent, the company entered a joint venture (JV) with Namibian company Longfire Investments, which holds 10 Namibian mining claim rights for the next three years.
The Namibian has seen a copy of the registration letter for industrial minerals, base and rare metals and semi-precious stones, signed by Shivolo.
“The JV represents a strategic partnership between two Namibian companies, Xinfeng being the investor with international experience.”
An environmental clearance certificate (also seen by The Namibian) for lithium mining was issued on 16 September 2022 to Longfire Investments, following an EIA.
The clearance expires in September 2025.
Xinfeng said at present no minerals have been shipped out of the country, but minerals from the mining claims were transported to a station for tests and inspection before export.
The petition also claimed that the company has neglected the community’s socio-economic needs.
“The JV is aimed at transferring knowledge and skills, offering employment opportunities and contributing to the sustainable development of Namibia,” Xinfeng said.
The JV’s objective is to build a mineral beneficiation plant that will be managed by Namibians with assistance from Xinfeng Investments’ experts, Xinfeng said.
This is in addition to continuous investment in ongoing operational expenses, human capacity development, and employee remuneration, said Xinfeng.
“We appreciate the concerns raised in the petition and encourage constructive dialogue with the community to address any issues. We would like to assure our stakeholders that Xinfeng Investments is committed to operating transparently, sustainably, and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.”
In response to the petition, Tsiseb Conservancy manager under the DDTA Eric Xaweb previously said the conservancy management committee is being advised to negotiate with the traditional authority, the regional council, and farmers’ representatives.
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