Staff Writer
The Chamber of Mines of Namibia has rejected remarks made by International Labour Organization (ILO) country director Philile Masuku during a recent public dialogue on decent work in the mining sector.
The chamber said mining is capital-intensive and highly mechanised, which means it employs fewer people directly than sectors such as agriculture and fishing. It said this does not reflect the full employment impact of the industry.
According to the 2023 Population and Housing Census Labour Force Report, 14 337 people were employed in mining and quarrying in 2023, representing 2.6% of employed Namibians.
The chamber said this figure likely excludes contractors and service providers linked to mining operations.
Based on its 2023 Annual Review, member companies reported 18 189 direct jobs in 2023, equal to 3.3% of employed Namibians.
In 2024, direct employment increased to 20 843 jobs, or 3.8% of employed Namibians, according to its 2024 annual review.
The chamber said 97% of permanent positions in the sector are held by Namibian citizens.
It also argued that mining has a strong multiplier effect. Using an employment multiplier of seven, the chamber estimates the sector supported 127 323 indirect jobs in 2023, or 23.3% of employed Namibians. In 2024, it estimates 145 901 indirect jobs, or 26.7%.
The chamber stated that employment is expected to grow further due to new investments, which include Bannerman’s transaction with CNNC, early works at the Tumas project, a joint venture for a desalination plant, Osino’s project development, and Sinomine’s construction of a processing plant.
On mineral exports, the chamber rejected claims that Namibia exports minerals only in raw form.
It said most minerals are processed to concentrate levels before export and form part of the domestic value chain.
It cited the Tschudi copper mine, which produces refined copper cathode, and the Skorpion operation, which previously produced special high-grade zinc metal before being placed on care and maintenance.
The Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter had produced blister copper from imported concentrates and is now being converted to process recycled metals.
On gender representation, the chamber acknowledged that mining remains male-dominated. It said member companies are implementing programmes to increase female participation in technical, professional and leadership roles.
The ILO representative reportedly referred to a 51% local ownership policy target. The chamber said this is incorrect. It referred to a media release issued on 15 December 2025 by the National Planning Commission (NPC), which stated that the government has not set a fixed local ownership threshold and remains open to consultations that balance empowerment and investment.
The chamber also addressed environmental concerns. It acknowledged that mining has environmental impacts but said operations are subject to environmental impact assessments, management plans and ongoing compliance monitoring.
Caption
The mining sector is capital-intensive and highly mechanised, making it a smaller direct employer compared to agriculture or fishing.
- Photo: Contributed
