The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) has raised concerns over the resumption of normal operations at Uis Tin Mine immediately after an employee collapsed while on duty and later died.
In a letter issued by its Western Region office, the union identified the worker as Filimon Mwashindange, an employee of Andrada Mining and chairperson of the MUN’s Uis branch.
The union said Mwashindange’s death had deeply affected his family, colleagues, friends and fellow union members.
“This incident has deeply affected the workforce, particularly those employees who were present and witnessed Comrade Mwashindange collapse,” the union said.
It described the incident as traumatic and warned that its emotional and psychological impact on employees should not be underestimated.
According to the union, normal work activities resumed immediately after the incident.
The MUN said it recognised the importance of maintaining production and operational continuity at the mine, but argued that production should not take precedence over workers’ safety, dignity and psychological well-being following a traumatic workplace incident.
“His sudden passing is therefore a profound loss to his family, colleagues, the union and the broader workforce,” the union said.
The union’s Western Region office has formally submitted requests to the company following the incident. However, the section of the letter containing the specific demands was not included in the page provided.
Andrada Mining had not yet responded to the concerns raised by the union in the document seen.
