Andrada Mining contributed more than N$775.2 million to Namibia’s economy through wages, mineral royalties and procurement during the financial year ended 28 February 2026, an increase of N$44.13 million from the previous year.
The tin producer, which operates the Uis Mine in the Erongo Region, disclosed the figures in its FY2026 Sustainability Report, which also shows that its workforce increased from 277 to 394 employees as mining and processing activities expanded.
The company’s direct economic contribution rose from N$731.07 million in FY2025, while an additional N$330.2 million in indirect economic benefits was estimated to have been generated across the Namibian economy.
The indirect contribution was calculated using a World Bank mining-sector economic multiplier and represents an estimate rather than expenditure directly recorded by Andrada.
The report shows that Namibians accounted for 98% of the company’s workforce and 88% of senior management at its Uis operations.
Andrada recruited 126 employees during the financial year, while remuneration paid locally at Uis increased from N$100.38 million to N$103.30 million.
The company also worked with 241 active suppliers, of which 189 were Namibian businesses, reflecting the role of local procurement in its economic contribution.
Andrada chief executive Anthony Viljoen said the expansion of the Uis operations was creating opportunities for employment, procurement and skills development.
“The continued growth of our operations at Uis is creating greater opportunities for economic enhancement through employment, local procurement and skills development. We are also investing in the next generation of Namibian talent through the recruitment of 11 apprentices from our local communities on the 12-month internship programme across the business. The programme helps to develop a pipeline of skills for both Andrada and the wider mining sector.”
The company said 11 graduates from surrounding communities were appointed to a 12-month internship programme covering several disciplines.
Two subsequently secured permanent positions at the Uis processing plant, while the remaining interns found employment with other Namibian employers.
The report also highlights the growing demand for water and energy associated with Andrada’s expanding operations.
Total water withdrawals increased from 201,299 cubic metres in FY2025 to 242,537 cubic metres in FY2026, an increase of 41,238 cubic metres.
Water consumption relative to ore processed also increased, from 0.21 cubic metres to 0.23 cubic metres per tonne.
Andrada attributed the higher demand primarily to increased mining and processing activities.
To reduce pressure on groundwater resources, the company reused approximately 101,287 cubic metres of low-quality, non-potable pit water.
It also undertook groundwater monitoring, hydrogeological investigations, numerical modelling and borehole testing to assess additional water supply sources.
The company said it was continuing discussions with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform on longer-term water supply solutions, including desalination.
These options could support both the mine’s future operations and surrounding communities, although the report does not provide a cost estimate or implementation timetable for a desalination project.
Energy consumption also increased substantially, rising from 134,772 gigajoules to 173,251 gigajoules during the financial year.
Combined direct and purchased-energy greenhouse gas emissions increased from 15,803 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent to 18,378 tonnes.
Energy consumption per tonne of ore processed rose from 0.14 to 0.17 gigajoules.
The company attributed the increases to higher mining and processing activity, indicating that its operational expansion has also increased pressure on energy and water resources.
Andrada recorded no work-related fatalities for the fourth consecutive year, while its total recordable injury frequency rate improved from 5.07 to 3.61 injuries per million hours worked.
The rate has declined from 8.09 in FY2023, reflecting improvements in the company’s reported safety performance over the period.
However, one lost-time injury was recorded during FY2026, compared with none in the previous financial year.
The company said its safety initiatives included fatigue management, contractor oversight and leadership engagement.
Andrada also reported a reduction in hazardous waste generation from 57 tonnes to 42 tonnes and said no Level 3, 4 or 5 environmental incidents were recorded during the year.
On tailings management, the company completed an assessment of options for a proposed co-disposal facility as part of efforts to align its operations with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management.
Its priorities for FY2027 include appointing an Engineer of Record, undertaking further tailings-material studies and progressing detailed facility designs.
Andrada said it supported approximately 30 community development initiatives during the year and conducted 208 stakeholder engagements, with no community grievances recorded.
Among the projects was the provision of meals to Grade 7 learners at Brandberg Primary School attending additional classes in preparation for their year-end examinations.
The company also supplied ranger uniforms, safety boots, tents, mountain bicycles and field equipment to the Otjimboyo Conservancy in the Daures Constituency to strengthen conservation patrols and environmental monitoring.
At Uis, Andrada provided equipment to the settlement office to repair a damaged water pipeline supplying the community.
The company said its biodiversity management activities were guided by studies assessing the ecological impacts of mining, with further work planned on habitat protection, rehabilitation and eventual mine closure.
Viljoen said the company’s next phase of development would continue to focus on ensuring that economic growth benefits employees and communities.
“Responsible practices remain fundamental to how we grow and build a resilient business across our portfolio. As we enter this next phase at Uis, our focus is on ensuring that this progress delivers lasting value for our employees, communities and all stakeholders connected to our operations.”
