The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) has warned that technological advances, automation and changing labour markets could leave mineworkers behind unless the industry invests more aggressively in skills development and prepares employees for the changing nature of mining.
Speaking after the three-day Namibia Mining Expo in Windhoek, MUN acting president Poco-Key Mberiuana said worker empowerment could no longer be confined to wages and working conditions as new technologies reshape jobs across the mining industry.
“As the industry evolves through technological advancement and changing labour markets, we must ensure that workers are not left behind. Worker empowerment must extend beyond wages and working conditions to include education, skills development and opportunities that prepare people for the future of work,” Mberiuana said.
His comments come as Namibia’s mining industry looks towards a new generation of projects while existing operations increasingly adopt new technologies and respond to changes associated with the global energy transition.
MUN said discussions during the Expo focused on the implications of technological advancement, automation, and the energy transition for the future of work, with the union arguing that continuous learning, reskilling, and workforce development would be necessary for existing mineworkers to participate meaningfully in the industry’s transformation.
“By investing in workers, we strengthen our industry, our communities and Namibia’s long-term development,” Mberiuana said.
The union used the Expo, held from 4 to 6 August, to engage government representatives, mining companies, organised labour, development partners, educational institutions and members of the public on workplace safety, skills development, decent work and social dialogue.
MUN said technological change should not come at the expense of workers and argued that protecting workers’ rights would have to remain part of the industry’s transformation.
The union also called for closer collaboration among government, mining companies, organised labour and communities, saying such cooperation would be critical to maintaining stability and ensuring that the benefits generated by mining extend beyond mineral production and company returns.
It said responsible mining should include safe working conditions, fair labour practices, social investment and community development, particularly as Namibia seeks to use its mineral resources to generate broader economic growth.
“The Namibia Mining Expo provides an important platform for government, industry and organised labour to shape the future of our mining sector,” Mberiuana said.
MUN said its engagements during the Expo were also aimed at strengthening existing relationships and developing partnerships that could support worker development and industry stability.
The union, established in 1986, said it would continue to advocate for workers’ rights, workplace safety, and skills development while supporting a mining industry capable of remaining competitive as technology and global mineral demand change.
MUN, however, said competitiveness and investment cannot be separated from the people working in the mines, with the union maintaining that Namibia’s mining transformation will only be sustainable if workers are equipped with the skills needed to move with it.
