Rebekka Bengela
Mining is an important sector in Namibia, but it is also an industry that may have a damaging impact if not carefully safeguarded. Economically, mining’s contribution to the Namibian GDP has been phenomenal. Despite the mining sector contracting by 1.2% in 2024, over the past five years (2019-2023), diamonds and uranium were the most significant mineral commodities contributing to Namibia’s economy.
In 2023, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (“KPCS”) revealed that Namibia (having 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 reserves of diamonds globally. The Chamber of Mines (CoM) confirmed zero fatalities among its members in 2023 (zero fatalities), but in 2024 fatalities were recorded. Therefore, one would express that it is a safe bet for mining activities due to a certain level of community, solidarity and commitment from stakeholders.
Despite such a record, one would pose and ask if such benefits really transcend into the mainstream of those involved in the mining activities: workers and communities. But to defray the foregoing paucity of social, environmental and economic concern, it is high time for the company’s strategy in the mining sector to be more embedded towards inclusive participation, collective voice, shared culture and safety.
Environmental stewardship
In one way or another, when mining companies, unions and regulators act in harmony, the sector becomes more resilient to commodity shocks, reputation risks and workforce unrest. However, when there is disjointedness and unilateralism among the stakeholders, then the mining industry becomes a growing concern of sustainability issues.
Mining in Namibia is no exception, especially when it comes to laws relating to the obligations and rights of natural resource exploitation companies and public bodies. Firstly, one good example is that, in relation to mining and prospecting. The Prospecting and Mining Act, 1992, provides reconnaissance and prospecting rights for mining and sales or disposal, and the exercise of control over any mineral or group of minerals vests in the State, notwithstanding any right of ownership of any person in relation to any land in, on or under which such minerals are found.
In this regard, it is important for practices to recognise the rights and involvement of communities and employees’ roles in mining resource management decisions, not just as a favour but as a cornerstone of Namibia’s approach to natural resources. Because the company is so integral to society, it is therefore considered as much a citizen of the country as is a natural person who has citizenship.
Employee empowerment
The industry will only be able to be sustained when decisions made are based not only on the present need of the company but also on that of the company as a responsible corporate citizen. It is because, in its absence, this may compromise the humanity and the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Particularly in the mining environment, where, for instance, uranium and phosphates are situated in highly sensitive areas.
As in alignment with the Labour Act 2007, an employee’s dignity is critical. When leadership invites worker input, fosters open communication and enacts 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
Stakeholders’ engagement should not only be confined internally but should also be able to reach out to public institutions. The Chamber of Mines safety committee and Mining Consultative Forum are examples of structured spaces where mining firms, regulators (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, 2015, would, if promulgated, have a wide-reaching impact on the Namibian minerals sector. This piece of legislation would introduce Namibian ownership and local content requirements for certain sectors, as to be identified by the Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy.
Namibia’s wealth should leave not only a hallmark of mining pits but also that of lives changing and sustainability. Therefore, a great sense of camaraderie among the stakeholders is crucial at this point to push for an agenda that drives the industry’s future together. Which is about ensuring that the people mostly directly involved in resource extraction have a say in the decision-making and benefit from these activities evenly.
*Rebekka Bengela is the national secretary of the Mineworkers Union of Namibia.
