Mining a bedrock of Namibia's economy - Alweendo

Namibia’s minister of mines and energy Tom Alweendo has expressed pride in the successful and responsible mining demonstrated by Namibian mining operations.

At a recent launch of the Rössing Uranium 2023 performance report in Windhoek, Alweendo highlighted recent key successes within the Namibian mining industry.

The mining industry's contribution to GDP was 14.4% in 2023, up from 11.9% in 2022, the minister said. The industry spent more than N$21 billion on local procurement last year and contributed at least N$6.4 billion to the fiscus in royalties and taxes, compared to N$4.2 billion in 2022, Alweendo added.

“The mining industry’s direct employment is now standing at around 18 189,” the minister said, noting that the mining sector contributed N$211 million in corporate social responsibility spending.

“These statistics indicate that the mining industry remains the bedrock of our economy. Therefore, our ministry remains optimistic about the trajectory of Namibia’s mining industry. Hence, I would like to commend all mining industry stakeholders for their positive contribution to the Namibian economy during 2023,” Alweendo said.



Responsible custodians

He said the mines and energy ministry, as the custodian of Namibia’s mineral resources, has the mandate to ensure that mineral resources are mined in a responsible manner.

“Responsible mining is not merely a desirable option, it is an imperative. Therefore, it is my expectation that mining companies in Namibia prioritise sustainable practices that minimise environmental impacts, uphold human rights, and contribute to the social and economic well-being of local communities," Alweendo said.

He emphasised that responsible mining requires a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, and mining operations must be conducted with the utmost care to minimise ecological disruption and prevent long-term damage to delicate socio-environmental ecosystems.

"In addition, responsible mining necessitates a long-term perspective that considers the needs of future generations. Therefore, industry players must move away from short-sighted approaches that prioritise immediate gains at the expense of the long-term sustainability of our industry,” the minister said.

“As we navigate the complex challenges of the 21st century, responsible mining stands as a beacon of hope and a pathway towards a more sustainable and equitable future. It requires collaboration and partnership among governments, industry stakeholders, civil society and local communities,” Alweendo said.

He added: “I strongly believe that together, we can forge a new paradigm of mining that respects our planet, empowers our communities and sustains our shared prosperity.”