Justicia Shipena
The Mineworkers’ Union of Namibia (MUN) has criticised delays in finalising the Diamond Bill, saying some provisions could weaken due process and worker protection.
The union raised the issue during a meeting with the minister responsible for industries, mines and energy Modestus Amuste on Tuesday.
The delegation was led by acting president Poco-key Mathew Mberiuana and general secretary George Ampweya, with members of the national executive committee.
MUN said delays in the bill remain a key issue as the sector faces pressure.
The union also pointed to retrenchments at Almond Diamonds and Dash Diamonds.
It said job losses and changing working conditions show growing strain in the sector.
MUN called for policy and regulatory changes to support stability.
“We welcomed the opportunity to present our position and reiterate the importance of recognising the Mineworkers Union as a strategic partner in shaping the future of Namibia’s mining and related sectors,” the union said.
The union called for stronger cooperation between government, employers and labour.
It also called for the inclusion of unions in licensing processes and more oversight in the allocation of licence holders.
The developments follow retrenchments at Almod Diamonds Ltd.
The company plans to retrench 35 workers after losing access to the local diamond supply.
The decision follows a 2024 move by the Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC) to end the sightholder status of Duiker Investments One Hundred and Forty-Two Proprietary Limited, trading as Almod Diamonds Ltd, and two other companies.
Previoulsy, the ministry under former mines minister Natangwe Ithete said at the time that the companies did not meet minimum purchase requirements.
Companies must buy at least US$15 million (approximately N$252.3 million) worth of diamonds to keep their status.
Almod Diamonds general manager Marco Teixeira said the company is now operating under pressure after nearly 20 years in Namibia.
The retrenchments will reduce the workforce to fewer than 50 employees.
Caption
Almod Diamonds workers at a cutting and polishing facility, as the company faces retrenchments following the loss of its diamond supply contract.
- Photo: Contributed
