Mining is an important sector in Namibia, but it is also an industry that can have a damaging impact if not carefully safeguarded. 

Economically, mining’s contribution to Namibia’s GDP has been phenomenal. Despite the mining sector contracting by 1.2% in 2024, over the past five years (2019–2023), diamonds and uranium have been the most significant mineral commodities contributing to Namibia’s economy.

In 2023, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) revealed that Namibia, which has the richest known marine diamond deposits in the world—estimated to total more than 80 million carats—is among the top five African diamond exporters, ranking fourth behind Botswana, Angola and South Africa. 

Additionally, according to the World Nuclear Association, Namibia was the fourth-ranked producer of uranium in 2023, accounting for 10% of world production. 

Based on Fitch, Namibia is the world’s ninth-largest diamond producer and has some of the largest diamond reserves globally.

The Chamber of Mines (CoM) confirmed zero fatalities among its members in 2023; however, fatalities were recorded in 2024. Therefore, one might argue that mining activities in Namibia are relatively safe due to a certain level of community, solidarity and commitment among stakeholders. Despite this record, one could still ask whether such benefits truly extend to those most directly involved in mining activities — the workers and surrounding communities.

To address this lack of social, environmental and economic inclusion, it is time for companies in the mining sector to adopt strategies that are more embedded in inclusive participation, collective voice, shared culture and safety.

Environmental Stewardship

When mining companies, unions and regulators act in harmony, the sector becomes more resilient to commodity shocks, reputational risks and workforce unrest. 

However, when there is disjointedness and unilateralism among stakeholders, the mining industry faces increasing sustainability challenges.

Mining in Namibia is no exception, especially concerning laws that govern the obligations and rights of natural resource exploitation companies and public bodies. One good example is the Prospecting and Mining Act of 1992, which provides reconnaissance and prospecting rights, as well as rights for mining and sales or disposal. The Act stipulates that the exercise of control over any mineral or group of minerals vests in the State, notwithstanding any ownership right that any person may have in relation to the land in, on or under which such minerals are found.

In this regard, it is important for mining practices to recognise the rights and involvement of communities and employees in resource management decisions — not as a favour, but as a cornerstone of Namibia’s approach to natural resources. 

Because companies are so integral to society, they should be regarded as citizens of the country in the same way as natural persons with citizenship.

Employees’ Empowerment

The industry will only be sustainable when decisions are made based not only on the company’s immediate needs, but also on its responsibility as a corporate citizen. Otherwise, this may compromise human welfare and the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, particularly in mining environments where uranium and phosphates are located in highly sensitive areas.

In alignment with the Labour Act of 2007, an employee’s dignity is critical. When leadership invites worker input, fosters open communication and establishes mechanisms for shared learning — for example, quarterly peer reviews across mines — the entire operation becomes safer, more efficient and more cohesive.

Dialogue Across Industries and Institutions

Stakeholder engagement should not only be confined internally but should also extend to public institutions. 

The Chamber of Mines Safety Committee and the Mining Consultative Forum are examples of structured spaces where mining firms, regulators (the Ministry of Mines and Energy) and unions meet regularly to discuss shared concerns — from safety protocols to legislation.

Solidarity across the industry is important, because when companies and government agencies act in partnership rather than as adversaries, the industry gains legitimacy, predictability and stability. Furthermore, the National Equitable Economic Empowerment Bill of 2015, if promulgated, would have a far-reaching impact on the Namibian minerals sector. This legislation would introduce Namibian ownership and local content requirements for certain sectors, to be identified by the Minister of Industrialisation, Mines and Energy.Namibia’s wealth should leave behind not only mining pits but also transformed lives and sustainability. 

Therefore, a strong sense of camaraderie among stakeholders is crucial at this point to push for an agenda that drives the industry’s future collectively. 

This means ensuring that the people most directly involved in resource extraction have a say in decision-making and benefit equitably from these activities.

Mineworkers Union of NamibiaNational Secretary – Rebekka Bengela