Rio Tinto’s involvement in Namibia began with a strategic acquisition that influenced the direction of the country’s mining sector.
In 1966, Rio Tinto Zinc (RTZ), the forerunner of today’s Rio Tinto Group, became engaged in the development of the Rössing uranium deposit following the confirmation of uranium mineralisation in the Namib Desert near Arandis.
Rössing Uranium Limited was established in 1970, with production commencing in 1976—marking the beginning of one of the world’s longest-operating uranium mines and a cornerstone of Namibia’s mining industry.
Entering a new frontier
The Rössing deposit was identified as early as 1928 by geologists exploring the central Namib terrain. Still, its commercial potential became clear only in the post-war era, when global demand for nuclear fuel rose. RTZ’s investment in Rössing was influenced by the worldwide energy dynamics of the time, and the company assumed the role of operator and major shareholder. This led to the construction of a large-scale mining facility in a challenging desert environment.
By the late 1970s, Rössing was supplying over 4,000 tonnes of uranium oxide (U₃O₈) annually at its peak in the 1980s. It became a key supplier to nuclear utilities across North America, Europe, and Asia. Namibia, still under South African control at the time, thus entered the global nuclear materials market before its independence in 1990.
Institution-building and economic development
Beyond its mining operations, Rio Tinto contributed to the development of infrastructure, including roads, electricity supply lines, and community services, in the Erongo Region.
Rössing became a major employer, offering training in technical fields such as geology, engineering, and metallurgy. These efforts helped build a domestic talent base for Namibia’s broader mining sector.
To address water scarcity in the desert environment, Rio Tinto, through Rössing Uranium, was an early user of desalinated water supplied by the Areva (now Orano) Desalination Plant near Wlotzkasbaken.
Although constructed by Areva for the Trekkopje mine, Rössing entered into water supply agreements and became one of the major customers.
This integration into the water supply scheme supported the continuity of uranium production and eased pressure on inland water sources.
The company also implemented early environmental monitoring and occupational health standards, laying the groundwork for future sustainability frameworks in the Namibian mining industry.
Transition and exit
In response to changing market dynamics, Rio Tinto began reviewing its uranium assets. In 2019, the company sold its 68.62% stake in Rössing Uranium to China National Uranium Corporation (CNUC), a subsidiary of China National Nuclear Corporation.
This marked the end of Rio Tinto’s direct presence in Namibia, but ownership was transferred to a state-owned nuclear firm with strategic interests in maintaining production.
Under CNUC’s ownership, Rössing remains a vital contributor to the Namibian economy.
In 2023, the board approved a life extension plan to 2036 via the Phase 4 pushback project.
A catalyst for growth
The establishment of Rössing under Rio Tinto’s leadership demonstrated Namibia’s potential for large-scale mining.
It encouraged future exploration and development, paving the way for the Langer Heinrich and Husab uranium mines.
Today, Namibia ranks among the top uranium producers globally—a status built mainly on the institutional and operational foundation established by Rio Tinto.
Uranium remains a key export, contributing significantly to Namibia’s economy and the global energy supply chain.
The influence of Rio Tinto’s early role is evident in the professional capacity, infrastructure, and policy frameworks that underpin Namibia’s mining industry.
Conclusion
Rio Tinto’s legacy in Namibia extends beyond its years of operation.
Through the development of the Rössing mine, the company helped initiate large-scale mining in the country, contributed to skill development, and supported infrastructure and environmental planning.
Though no longer present, its impact continues to shape Namibia’s mining landscape today.
