ARANDIS – British company, Rio Tinto, says selling its stake in Rössing Uranium – one of the flagship mining companies in Namibia – was not an easy decision to make but one that needed to be taken to ensure a strong future for the mine.
This is according to Rio Tinto’s chief executive for energy and minerals, Bold Baatar.
Baatar was speaking at the official handover of Rössing Uranium Mine to China National Nuclear Corporation at the mine site in Arandis on Thursday last week.
Rio Tinto ended its 43-year relationship with one of the world’s flagship open pit uranium mines after the Namibia Competition Commission approved the sale of its stake in the mine for N$1.4 billion earlier this month.
“Even as the Rio Tinto flag comes down over Rössing, we very much remain committed to Namibia and advocate for this great country and its mining sector,” Baatar said.
He added that it was indeed a bittersweet moment for Rio Tinto, as Rössing was one of the key pillars that helped build Rio Tinto into the world leader it is today.
“The story of Rössing and Rio Tinto are inseparable. I know, and speak for so many of the Rio Tinto team, who have had a chance to work with this incredible team, in expressing our sadness in seeing Rössing leave our fold,” he said.
According to him, Rio Tinto had the opportunity to create a world-class business that contributed to the growth and development of Namibia and its people.
He added that that Rössing has consistently driven excellence in performance, while maintaining world-class standards of safety.
“This is no small feat, but testifies to the Rössing team’s commitment to excellence and doing the job right. Rössing’s journey is a testament to the enduring strength of our partnership, and our commitment to work together based on values we all share,” Baatar explained.
Another defining part of their legacy, according to Baatar is the Rössing Foundation, which, through real partnerships, breathed new life into communities.
“Some of the foundation’s signature achievements have been in education, bringing together a broad range of partners around a common purpose, better educational standards for Namibians, after-school programmes, libraries and making a positive contribution across the country. Hence, today marks the beginning of a new future, one that builds on the tradition and standards of the past,” Baatar said.