IN a significant development, Namibia’s government has issued orders to halt the transportation of lithium ore by Xinfeng Investments, a Chinese mining company, within the country and its export abroad. The action stems from accusations of breaching Namibia’s ban on exporting critical raw minerals, marking a move that could have repercussions on the global demand for metals crucial to clean energy technologies.
In an official letter dated October 19, which has been made available to Reuters, Namibia’s Mining Commissioner, Isabella Chirchir, directed Namibia’s Police Chief, Joseph Shikongo, to take immediate steps to prevent any trucks carrying raw lithium ore from Xinfeng’s Kohero mine, located about 250 kilometres northwest of the capital, Windhoek.
Chirchir’s letter explicitly stated, ‘They are not allowed to remove any material from their mine to anywhere within Namibia or outside.’ Furthermore, she instructed that all trucks en route to Walvis Bay, Namibia’s primary port, carrying lithium ore should be intercepted and returned to the mine.
At the time of reporting, Xinfeng Investments officials were not immediately available for comment.
This move comes after Namibia enforced a ban in June on the export of unprocessed lithium and other critical minerals, a measure aimed at promoting local processing and capitalising on the growing global demand for metals essential in clean energy technologies.
Namibia boasts significant lithium deposits, which are crucial for renewable energy storage. Additionally, the nation is endowed with rare earth minerals like dysprosium and terbium, essential components for the production of permanent magnets in electric vehicle batteries and wind turbines.
Xinfeng Investments has been embroiled in multiple confrontations with Namibian authorities. Notably, in October of the previous year, the Namibian government imposed a ban on the company’s export of lithium ore to China, citing irregular shipments. In response, the lithium miner vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that the ore was shipped for testing purposes to determine the design of a lithium processing facility in Namibia.
The situation escalated when Namibia’s Mines Minister, Tom Alweendo, revoked Xinfeng’s mining licence in April and ordered the company to cease operations by May 31, alleging irregular licensing. However, Xinfeng successfully challenged the minister’s decision in Namibia’s High Court. The judge’s decision underscored that the Mines minister did not possess the authority to revoke the licence and should have resorted to the courts for such an action.
The latest development surrounding Xinfeng’s lithium ore exports presents a new chapter in this ongoing saga, with far-reaching implications for both the company and Namibia’s ambitions in the global minerals market. The clash between environmental concerns, economic interests, and legal authority continues to unfold, creating a complex narrative in the landscape of mineral resources and international trade.
