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[QUOTE="Shamiso, post: 84286, member: 160"]
Ministry throws shade at illegal sand miners, calling their operations a major threat to people and the planet. Namibia's environment office slammed unchecked sand and gravel digging, saying it wrecks land and ignores required permits. These actions break the country's Environmental Management Act, which mandates impact studies and official approval before any extraction starts.

Digging without permission causes serious erosion, wrecks riverbanks and wetlands, and ruins mahangu fields. The resulting damage threatens food and water supplies, grazing areas, and local wildlife. Abandoned mining pits fill with water, creating dangerous traps for animals, livestock, and kids.

The ministry recognized the need for building materials for roads and houses, but insisted that development cannot cause permanent environmental harm. It stated that balancing economic growth with sustainability requires following the rules. Illegal mining also violates the Namibian Constitution, which commits the state to protecting ecosystems for current and future generations.

Authorities are set to engage regional stakeholders to improve the enforcement of mining laws. They urged all citizens, businesses, and local leaders to stop illegal operations and follow environmental regulations. Separately, the Uukwambi Traditional Authority pledged to fix all the permitted sand mining pits in its area.
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