Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The government is exploring ways to ensure 51% local ownership in new mining ventures. This will be done through a new policy aimed at promoting local empowerment and long-term sustainability.
Deputy prime minister and minister of industries, mines and energy, Natangue Ithete announced the plan on Tuesday during the opening of the 2025 Mining Expo in Windhoek.
“We are actively consulting with industry stakeholders on mechanisms that will promote 51% Namibian ownership in new mining ventures,” said Ithete.
He said local empowerment is not only a matter of social justice but also a cornerstone for long-term stability and sustainability in the sector.
Ithete also said the government would act against mineral rights holders who fail to start operations.
He said several licences have been issued where no activity has commenced, which must change.
“The mineral rights are granted with the intention of production. We will not tolerate the hoarding of licences for purposes unrelated to national development,” he said.
He said the ministry, together with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), remains open to dialogue on legitimate challenges, but non-compliance would not be allowed to continue.
“To this end, our ministry has already issued notices to non-compliant mineral rights holders and will soon engage them,” said Ithete.
He also announced that the government is reviewing the Minerals Bill and will soon start consultations in regions where exploration and mining are taking place.
“This process is essential to ensure that our laws are fit for purpose and reflect the ambitions of an equitable and modern mining industry,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Carlo Lord Muhamed McLeod, deputy head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Presidency, said the mining sector continues to play a key role in national development.
He said the sector generated N$52.3 billion in revenue and N$23.94 billion in local procurement in 2024.
It also supported over 9 400 permanent jobs, with 97% held by Namibians.
“Namibia’s mining sector is not only thriving, it is evolving into a more inclusive, innovative, and forward-looking industry,” he said.
McLeod urged stakeholders to invest in skills development, infrastructure, and supply chains.
“Let us work together to unlock the full potential of our mineral wealth, not just for today, but for generations to come,” he said.
Chamber of Mines president George Botshiwe said the sector’s performance and resilience align with Namibia’s development priorities.
He said Namibia remains one of the most attractive countries for mining investment in Africa.
“Despite global uncertainty, Namibia continues to rank among Africa’s top destinations for mining investment. The Fraser Institute’s latest survey ranked Namibia fourth on the continent,” he said.
The 2025 Mining Expo runs until 7 August and features 198 exhibitors and 335 booths, making it the largest in its 12-year history.
The programme includes a technical conference on 6 August, focusing on uranium and gold mining, value addition, and industry-led community projects.
