A sectoral analysis of the contribution of aggregate quarrying to sustainable development in Namibia

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to develop an optimal understanding of matters pertaining to quarrying aggregate in selected key regions in Namibia (particularly Erongo, Khomas, Oshana and Oshikoto), with the sole purpose of deducing its contributions to sustainable development. These will be achieved by firstly looking at the mining legislation surrounding the aggregate sector in Namibia and how it ensures that the sustainable development goals are addressed by the government and private companies or individuals that intend on doing aggregate quarrying operations. Although mining legislation will be analysed, the dissertation will not focus on legal analysis but rather more on the sustainable development of aggregate as natural resources. Aggregate is known as being an industrial mineral or a construction mineral and it’s defined by it, comprising of either sand, gravel and crushed rock. Demand for aggregate is driven by the construction industry, which involves of building houses, ports/harbours, airports, dams, bridges and shopping malls. The extraction of aggregate is subject to the regulatory regime governing the exploitation of mineral resources in the country. Secondly, aggregate quarrying has the potential to cause an impact on the environment and, so it is subject to environmental law. Thirdly, it involves the use of land and is, therefore, subject to land use planning regimes. Infrastructure development is one of the main objectives for developing nations worldwide of which sustainable development is the main contributor. The study concludes that the lack of distinct and clear legislative frameworks makes it harder for institutional custodians to execute the regulation of aggregate quarrying. This makes the journey ahead the aggregates contribution to sustainable development a long one with the current mining laws. In addition to this there is no official statistics in existence regarding aggregate production in the regions of study, which will help understand the contribution of aggregate sector to the economic, environmental and social aspects. Lastly, the author has listed recommendation for short and long-term purposes, as well as highlighting a potential area for further research.