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.
