By: Nghiinomenwa-vali Hangala and Patemaoshela Lukolo
The government has informed foreign and local investors interested in the exploration and mining or speculators that it will no longer tolerate the hoarding of licences for purposes unrelated to national development.
The country’s Deputy Prime Minister, who also doubles as Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Natangue Ithete, stated this during the opening session of the 2025 Mining Expo. He also indicated that his Ministry has already issued notices to non-compliant mineral rights holders and will soon engage them.
The Prime Minister indicated that there are several licences issued where no activity has commenced.
“This must change, because the mineral rights are granted with the intention of production,” he stated.
Ithete indicated that Namibia’s minerals are a national asset.
“They are our hope for social progression and improved livelihood. It is therefore our collective responsibility to ensure that the exploitation of these resources results in tangible benefits for all Namibians,” he said.
Ithete also promised that under his leadership at the Mining Ministry, they will prioritise policy frameworks that strengthen local ownership, build capacity, and promote value addition.
While updating that the Ministry is currently reviewing the Minerals Bill and will soon commence stakeholder consultations, especially in key regions where exploration and mining are taking place.
“This process is essential to ensure that our laws are fit-for-purpose and reflect the ambitions of an equitable and modern mining industry,” the DP stated.
Furthermore, the government is also consulting with industry stakeholders on mechanisms that will promote 51% Namibian ownership in new mining ventures.
“We believe that local empowerment is not only a matter of social justice, but also a cornerstone for long-term stability and sustainability in the sector,” Ithete stated.
He warned that mining must not become an elite-driven activity disconnected from ordinary Namibians.
“Let us mine not only for profit, but for our people,” he urged. “Our minerals must uplift lives, not just in boardrooms, but in the most remote areas of our country.”
Namibia’s 12th Mining Expo and Conference opened on 5 August at the Windhoek Showgrounds with strong calls for a mining sector that not only drives economic growth, but also delivers real benefits to all Namibians.
The event has also been extended to three full days for the first time, reflecting its growing role in shaping national mining policy and investment direction.
In a keynote speech delivered on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Carlo Lord Muhamed McLeod, Special Advisor in the Presidency, commended the mining sector’s evolving role as a partner in inclusive development.
He revealed that in 2024, the industry contributed N$52.3 billion in revenue, created over 9,400 permanent jobs, 97% of them held by Namibians, and spent N$23.94 billion on local procurement.
“Namibia’s mining sector is not only thriving, it is evolving into a more inclusive, innovative, and forward-looking industry,” McLeod said.
“Let us work together to unlock the full potential of our mineral wealth, not just for today, but for generations to come.”
George Botshiwe, President of the Chamber of Mines of Namibia, opened the Expo by highlighting the sector’s resilience despite global challenges such as falling diamond prices and rising competition from lab-grown alternatives.
Although the industry recorded a 1.2% contraction in 2024, it maintained a strong 13.3% contribution to GDP.
“The achievements of this sector reflect its alignment with national goals, particularly under NDP6, which prioritises industrialisation, inclusivity, and sustainable growth,” Botshiwe said.
He also stressed that while direct employment numbers in mining may be modest, the sector supports thousands more jobs indirectly through its local procurement. In 2024, mining companies spent nearly half of their total revenue, 46.2% on Namibian goods and services.
“Beyond ownership in mining operations, the greatest opportunity for Namibians lies in entrepreneurship within the supply chain,” he added, pointing to tools like the Database of Mining Inputs and Services, launched at the 2024 Expo, as enablers of local participation.
The Chamber also reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity by providing free public access to the Expo and allocating complimentary booths to institutions such as UNAM, NUST, and various industry associations, including Women in Mining Namibia.
Investor interest remains high. Namibia was ranked the fourth most attractive African destination for mining investment in the latest Fraser Institute Survey.
Major uranium and gold projects such as Bannerman Energy’s Etango-8, Deep Yellow’s Tumas, and Osino Resources’ Twin Hills are moving toward development, further strengthening Namibia’s role in global resource markets.
