The ninth edition of the Namibian Mining Expo and Conference concludes today. The two-day conference started yesterday under the theme ‘Breaking New Frontiers in a Post-Pandemic Era’. This was the first mining expo and conference in two years, after the Chamber of Mines cancelled it consecutively due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The conference programme featured speakers from a variety of industry players, who shared innovative ways of breaking new frontiers in a post-pandemic era.

It covered topics on the resurgence of Namibia’s uranium sector, the re-opening of historic mines, new frontiers of resilience, transitioning Namibia’s mining sector into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, green hydrogen and the catalyst for establishing a sustainable and environmentally responsible phosphate-based industry, among others.

At the opening yesterday, Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy Kornelia Shilunga said the Russia-Ukraine conflict has changed global trade patterns spiralling inflation and increasing the cost of doing business. 

Shilunga said according to a World Bank report on 26 April, experts agreed there is a possibility of energy prices going up more than 50% going into 2023 on the way to 2024.  

“As policymakers, we assure you we will do our best to remedy the intermediate shocks directed to the sector. The expo came at an opportune time to engage and position the sector on new growth and expansion post-Covid-19 spectrum,” stated Shilunga. 

She noted industry leaders are coming together to connect, network and facilitate investors with opportunities in the
 country.

 “They will also discuss ways of growth and development, issues related to energy, value addition, environmental sustainability and responsibility, the future of the mining sector, the effects of the 4IR and green energy revolution among others,” Shilunga stated. 

She assured government, through the ministry, will continue to create a conducive environment through regulations, and policy making and their doors remain open. 

The deputy minister added the ministry is currently at an advanced stage of reviewing some of the regulations to make them more attractive and competitive.