Modernising Namibian mining

Mark Twain famously said: "During the gold rush, it’s a good time to be in the pick and shovel business." The mining, minerals and metals sector has certainly moved on from just picks and shovels, and with that, countries like Namibia are quickly becoming the next destination for the proverbial gold rush.

According to the Chamber of Mines in Namibia, mining accounted for 14.4% of the country’s GDP in 2023, an increase from 9% in 2021 and 11.9% in 2022. The sector therefore plays a fundamental role in Namibia’s job creation and wealth creation, showing consistency and steady growth.

The chamber also noted that the top-performing commodities for minerals mined in Namibia were gold and uranium. Year-on-year, the average gold price increased by 8% from 2022 to 2023, while the uranium price rose from just over US$50/lb in January 2023 to US$90/lb at the end of the year.

Modernising mining

To keep up with the mining, minerals, and metals’ segment’s global move towards modernisation, Namibian mines are also steadily starting to implement automation and digitisation as part of their daily operations.

One of the major modernisation drivers for Namibian mining is the need for real-time data, efficiency, and safety. The real-time data generated by automated systems readily identifies problems while also optimising operations for maximum efficiency – decisions are based on accurate, up-to-date information.

For instance, in some mines, the transition from manual data entry to automated systems has significantly reduced the time employees spend on data collection, allowing them to engage in more value-added activities.

Namibian mining stands to benefit from the following when embarking on its modernisation journeys:

Improved efficiency and productivity – real-time data collection and analysis enable more informed decision-making at all levels of the organisation. From top management to on-site workers, everyone benefits from having accurate data at their fingertips.

Enhanced safety – reducing the need for manual intervention in hazardous environments, automation improves worker safety. Robotic systems and automated machinery can perform dangerous tasks, minimising the risk to human workers.

Cost savings – automation reduces operational costs by minimising errors, optimising resource use, and increasing the lifespan of mining equipment through predictive maintenance. This ensures that potential issues are addressed before they lead to costly downtime.

Modern technologies support sustainable mining practices. Automated systems can monitor environmental impacts more effectively, ensuring compliance with regulations and reducing the ecological footprint of mining operations.

A realistic take

While the benefits of automation and digitisation are clear, the transition is not without challenges. Change is never easy, especially among older employees who may be less familiar with new technologies. That said, younger, tech-savvy workers can bridge the gap, working together with their older, more experienced peers to take mine one step closer to a modernised posture.

Automated systems also require an initial upfront investment. And while the long-term savings are tangible and benchmarked, these costs can deter some mining operations.

It is here where partnerships with technology providers like Schneider Electric can be invaluable, working together with mines to provide scalable solutions that are realistically aligned with allocated budgets.

The future of Namibia's mining sector looks promising, with those first important steps taken towards modernisation. As more mines adopt automation and digitisation technologies, the industry will likely see further increased efficiency, safety and sustainability.

Additionally, the growth of local distributors, system integrators, and panel builders will further strengthen the sector, creating a strong ecosystem for continuous innovation and improvement.

*Casper Labuschagne is the country sales manager, Namibia at Schneider Electric.