The Minister of Mines and Energy has confirmed that his office is aware of an incident in which a small-scale miner was reportedly buried alive in the Kunene Region earlier this month.

The matter was raised in Parliament when UDF MP Nico Somaeb questioned Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse on a miner in the Opuwo Constituency who was partially buried when a trench collapsed while mining activities were underway.

Somaeb also raised concerns about the apparent lack of public updates from authorities regarding the incident.

"This issue is totally silent; even if I follow up today with the commissioners, there is no response on this. So what is the status quo from your office about this?"

Responding to the question, the minister said he is aware of the incident, which allegedly involved a male miner working in a trench believed to have been excavated for copper.

"We are aware of the incident that took place where a male minor was probably buried halfway when the trench where they were mining collapsed. I'm told it's copper because there has been no official submission to the ministry. But our team on that side was dispatched to investigate."

However, the ministry is still awaiting a full report to establish exactly what transpired.
The minister emphasised the need to promote safety practices among small-scale miners, many of whom operate informally.

He noted that some miners are licensed, while others may be operating without proper authorisation.
In certain cases, miners are said to obtain documentation from traditional authorities, a matter he said also requires verification.