Bannerman Mining Resources Namibia is nurturing the next generation of Namibian mining leaders through its annual bi-regional essay competition, an initiative that continues to grow in reach and purpose.
Since 2011, the company — developer of the Etango uranium project near Swakopmund — has supported thousands of learners through its Early Learner Assistance (ELA) programme.
The initiative provides school uniforms, shoes and backpacks to disadvantaged pupils and has so far benefited more than 4,300 learners across Namibia.
The programme earned Bannerman the 2023 Africa Mining Indaba ESG Award for community engagement.
Building on this foundation, Bannerman turned its focus in 2024 to encouraging critical thinking among high school learners in the Khomas and Erongo regions.
The essay competition, organised in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, the Schools Environmental Clubs Namibia and the Namibia University of Science and Technology, challenges learners to explore Namibia’s mining industry and propose ideas for sustainable resource development.
This year’s edition drew 33 submissions, a notable increase from last year. Learners were not only judged on their writing but also on their ability to defend their essays orally, testing their understanding of mining operations and environmental sustainability.
Grade 11 learner Ritchie Florry of St Joseph’s RC Döbra took the top prize, followed by Gerardino Moses from Delta Secondary School and Moses Shiyakela from Sunshine Private School.
The winners received trophies, stationery vouchers worth N$6,000, and a fully hosted educational tour to Etango, where they observed the site’s progress ahead of its planned start of operations in the second half of 2028.
A symbolic tree was planted at the winner’s school, and Ritchie Florry’s essay will be published to inspire other learners to see mining not only as an industry but as a shared national responsibility.
During the 3 November prize-giving ceremony, Bannerman chairperson Twapewa Kadhikwa urged learners to embrace courage and self-belief.
She reminded them that confidence is built through participation and effort — qualities that will help young Namibians seize opportunities in sectors such as mining and entrepreneurship.
Several participants also received copies of Kadhikwa’s motivational book, Successful Entrepreneurship: 20 Nuggets of Truth that Will Propel You to Success.
Bannerman expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education, the Schools Environmental Clubs and the Namibia University of Science and Technology for supporting the initiative and encouraged more schools to participate in future competitions.
The company said such programmes represent a win-win for Namibia — strengthening education while nurturing local awareness of responsible resource development.
Bannerman Mining Resources Namibia (Pty) Ltd, a 95%-owned subsidiary of Bannerman Energy Ltd (ASX: BMN, OTCQX: BNNLF, NSX: BMN), holds Mining Licence 250 for the Etango project.
The remaining 5% is held by the One Economy Foundation, a Namibian non-profit working to bridge the country’s dual economy.
Situated in the uranium-rich Erongo region, Etango is one of the world’s most significant advanced uranium assets, already de-risked through years of technical evaluation and demonstration-plant testing.
Bannerman expects the mine to enter production in late 2028, positioning Namibia as an even stronger player in global nuclear-fuel supply.
