Staff Reporter
THE Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) has expressed grave concern over the reported near-fatal collapse at a copper ore claim in Ojtinungua village, Epupa Constituency, Kunene Region, where a small-scale miner was trapped for several hours after a pit caved in.
Fillepus Ampweya, the Secretary General of MUN, said that while they have not yet engaged these workers to form part of the union, they are deeply disturbed by reports that the miners were operating under harsh and unsafe conditions, without proper safety equipment, adequate technical support, or compliance oversight.
Photos: Contributed/rubenlute757
“No worker — whether in a large-scale operation or small-scale claim — should have to risk being buried alive simply to earn a living.
This incident is not isolated. It is symptomatic of a growing crisis within the informal and small-scale mining sector, particularly among Exclusive Prospecting Licence (EPL) holders and community miners who are forced to operate without sufficient capital, mechanisation, or regulatory support,” Ampweya said.
He added that the absence of proper safety standards, combined with economic pressure, creates a dangerous and potentially fatal working environment.
“This near-tragedy must serve as a wake-up call. Economic hardship can never justify unsafe mining practices. Regulation must be strengthened. Inspections must be intensified. Accountability must be enforced.
We wish the injured miner a speedy and full recovery. An injury to one miner is an injury to all,” Ampweya concluded.
