Mines Minister Tom Alweendo said Namibia’s diversity of minerals, some of which are yet to be discovered, coupled with a conducive policy environment, make it a top choice for mining investment.
Alweendo counted mineral resources such as diamonds, gold, copper, zinc, uranium, rare earth and industrial minerals essential for renewable energy.
Alweendo commented on the back of the Investing in African Mining Indaba, which opened in Cape Town on February 5.
According to Alweendo, the mining indaba will allow Namibia to showcase its potential and meet with other mining countries to discuss the best regional and global practices.
“It is imperative that we create the understanding with our potential investment partners that Namibia’s steadfast position on value addition to our minerals is crucial to the growth of the Namibian economy,” he said.
He added that to achieve a green tomorrow, Namibia must strengthen its commitment to sustainable mining practices, given the heightened global demand for critical minerals.
Namibia’s theme is Taking the Bold Steps to Sustainable Mining: Shaping a Green Tomorrow.
Mines ministry deputy executive director Gloria Simubali leads the Namibian delegation at the indaba.
The delegation includes officials from the Geological Survey of Namibia, Epangelo Mining, NamPower, Chamber of Mines, and Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board.
There are also CEOs of mining companies operating in Namibia, among them De Beers boss Al Cook and Andrada CEO Anthony Viljoen.
The Namibia Investment Promotion Development Board executive director for investments and new ventures, François van Schalkwyk and Epangelo’s Eliphas Hawala are attending.
Others who will participate are NamPower managing director Simson Kahenge Haulofu and Noronex exploration manager Riaan Kazondunge.
B2Gold Corp CEO Clive Johnson’s session is on voices of disruption, during which he will outline how the company is bringing positive change and disruption to the industry, the country, and the African continent.
Andrada Mining CEO Anthony Viljoen will participate in the Junior Miners Day panel about critical Minerals in Africa, discussing developing exploration projects towards production.
Noronex chief geologist Bruce Hooper will also be part of the panel, while Elevate Uranium CEO Murray Hill is expected to discuss the difficulties junior miners face in getting investments.
B2Gold Namibia’s country manager, John Roos, is slotted for the Sustainability Series Session, where he is expected to discuss the CSR Case study.
Prospect Resources managing director Sam Hosack has a slot on Junior Miners Day. Hosack’s company is developing the Omaruru Lithium Project.
Alweendo said the mining sector plays a crucial role in Namibia’s economy, accounting for about 12,2% of the GDP in 2022.
