Also known as: OEC
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The Namibian
Office of the Environmental Commissioner issues environmental clearance certificates for sand mining
“"We wish to remind the public that any sand or gravel mining activity of commercial value as outlined in the Environmental Management Act, must be preceded by the environmental impact assessment (EIA) and the issuance of the environmental clearance certificate obtained from the Office of the Environmental Commissioner," says Hangula.”
Illegal sand-mining still a headache for ministryNew Era
Office of the Environmental Commissioner received first five Environmental Clearance Certificate applications
“The City of Windhoek (CoW) has reached a major milestone in its large-scale informal settlement formalisation programme with the submission of the first five Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) applications to the Office of the Environmental Commissioner.”
City pushes for 11 200 erven formalisationNew Era
Office of the Environmental Commissioner issues Environmental Clearance Certificates required for sand and gravel mining
“She said that these activities are being undertaken without the required Environmental Clearance Certificates (ECCs) issued by the Office of the Environmental Commissioner (OEC), as stipulated under the Environmental Management Act.”
Stop illegal sand, gravel mining – MinistryThe Namibian
Office of the Environmental Commissioner must issue environmental clearance certificates for sand and gravel mining
“"Any sand and gravel mining activity must be preceded by an environmental impact assessment, an environmental management plan and the issuance of an ECC from the Office of the Environmental Commissioner," the ministry says.”
Ministry condemns illegal sand, gravel miningNew Era
Office of the Environmental Commissioner issues environmental clearance certificates for sand and gravel mining
“Additionally, I wish to remind all individuals, businesses, local and traditional authorities that any sand and gravel mining activity must be preceded by an environmental impact assessment, an environmental management plan, and the issuance of an environmental clearance certificate from the Office of the Environmental Commissioner.”
Opinion – Call to halt illegal sand and gravel mining in NamibiaThe Ministry of Environment and Tourism says illegal sand and gravel mining persists across the country, posing dangers to the environment, people and livestock. The ministry notes that such commercial extraction requires an environmental impact assessment and clearance certificate, and that illegal sites are particularly prevalent in north-central regions.
18 hours ago · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism says illegal sand and gravel mining persists across the country, posing dangers to the environment, people and livestock. The ministry notes that such commercial extraction requires an environmental impact assessment and clearance certificate, and that illegal sites are particularly prevalent in north-central regions.
18 hours ago · The Namibian →
The City of Windhoek has submitted five Environmental Clearance Certificate applications to formalise informal settlements and create 11,226 residential erven. The applications, lodged on 29 May 2026, follow a public participation process launched in March 2026 and are currently under environmental assessment.
6 July 2026 · New Era →
The City of Windhoek has submitted five Environmental Clearance Certificate applications to begin formalising informal settlements, with the first phase expected to create about 3,587 residential erven across five planning areas. The initiative could ultimately create more than 11,000 residential erven and provide secure land tenure and municipal infrastructure to residents currently living without them.
6 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The City of Windhoek has submitted five Environmental Clearance Certificate applications to formalise informal settlements, paving the way for formal planning and development of approximately 3,587 residential erven across the first five Environmental Impact Assessment groupings.
4 July 2026 · Informanté →
The City of Windhoek has submitted applications for environmental clearance certificates to formalise informal settlements and obtain new residential land, covering proposed township developments across several areas. The applications, lodged on 29 May following a public participation process, represent a step towards planning and development of approximately 3,587 residential plots.
4 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Environment Minister Indileni Daniel has urged an end to illegal sand and gravel mining across Namibia, noting that such activities lack required Environmental Clearance Certificates and pose serious risks including land degradation, riverbank erosion, and threats to water and food security. The ministry plans regional stakeholder engagements on new Sand and Gravel Mining Regulations to balance development with environmental protection.
19 January 2026 · New Era →
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has strongly condemned the rise in illegal sand and gravel mining without required environmental clearance certificates, warning that the practice causes land degradation, riverbank erosion, and threatens water and food security. The ministry says development must balance growth with environmental protection and will undertake regional stakeholder engagements to strengthen enforcement of the Environmental Management Act.
18 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The Minister of Environment and Tourism warns that illegal sand and gravel mining across Namibia violates environmental law and causes land degradation, riverbank erosion, and wildlife habitat destruction. The government plans regional stakeholder consultations on draft sand and gravel mining regulations under an Environmental Management Amendment Bill.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
Environment Minister Indileni Daniel has raised alarm over rising illegal sand and gravel mining across Namibia, warning that unregulated activities without Environmental Clearance Certificates cause land degradation, riverbank erosion, wetland destruction, and pose risks to wildlife, livestock, and human water and food security. The ministry will conduct regional stakeholder engagements on sand and gravel mining regulations to enforce the Environmental Management Act.
16 January 2026 · Informanté →