Chamwe Kaira
Gecko Gold Mining plans to explore copper, zinc, gold, and precious stones in the Otjozondjupa Region. The company aims to contribute to the country’s socio-economic development through mining.
Mining is Namibia’s leading economic sector, accounting for about 10% of the country’s gross domestic product each year.
Gecko said the prospecting and exploration activities could boost other sectors and create temporary jobs. The company also expects to generate mineral rights levies, taxes for the government, and business opportunities for local small and medium enterprises.
The company sees mining as a source of trained workers and small businesses that support communities and may lead to related ventures.
Gecko plans to apply for an Environmental Clearance Certificate for the exploration work. Serja Hydrogeo-Environmental Consultants will conduct the Environmental Scoping Assessment for the proposed activities on Exclusive Prospecting Licence (EPL) No. 8345 near Otjiwarongo in Otjozondjupa.
Gecko applied to the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy (MIME) in September 2020 for rights to prospect and explore under EPL No. 8345. Approval depends on receiving the Environmental Clearance Certificate.
If granted the EPL, Gecko intends to explore for base and rare metals such as copper and zinc, industrial minerals like gypsum and graphite, precious metals including gold, and semi-precious stones like amethyst found in the area.
The company will not conduct explorations within 1.5 kilometres of farmhouses, tourism facilities, or other buildings on farms. It will also maintain a 100-metre buffer zone around archaeologically sensitive sites and avoid exploring those areas.
“It is important to note that the proposed activities will be done at a very small-scale level on targeted sites of the EPL towards exploration and not mining. Thus, this environmental assessment is for exploration activities only, but not for mining activities.”
Gecko believes successful exploration could lead to mining economically viable commodities based on the results.
