The Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Mines of Namibia says the use of modern technology can go along in addressing environmental degradation, caused by mining activities. Veston Malango says embracing new technologies helps in the rehabilitation of old mines. He told NBC News that mining companies had abandoned about 240 mines after extracting minerals or when they had reached the end of their lifespan. Malango said many of them left without notice, leaving degraded land in various parts of Namibia, which has now become a Government liability. He stated that the chamber adopted a policy – the Namibian Mine Closure Framework – to guide companies that close business at the end of their operations. The Chamber of Mines CEO singled out a few mines, such as Namdeb and Navachab, as setting good examples of mine rehabilitation, which should be emulated by others. He stressed the need for potential or future mining companies to have rehabilitation plans in place before permission could be granted for them to start operating. At the same time, Malango expressed commitment to working with the Government in establishing a trust fund to help in the rehabilitation of old mines. He stressed the importance of the polluter must pay approach, to ensure that abandoned mines do not pose threats to the environment, human beings or animals.