The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) is urging local companies to explore opportunities in the mining sector beyond ownership of mining licences. NIPDB analyst Andreas Salom made the statement at a critical minerals dialogue in Swakopmund. He emphasized that opportunities exist throughout the life cycle of a mine, including exploration, logistics, and plant maintenance services. Salom encouraged companies to think broadly about participation in the sector.
Salom highlighted procurement as a key area for local participation. However, he noted that the Namibian system is not well-equipped to develop local companies to meet local content requirements. Many Namibian entities are unaware of tenders or lack the capabilities to match opportunities advertised by mines. Salom questioned the effectiveness of advertising tenders in newspapers, citing that small companies often apply but are unsuccessful year after year.
To address this issue, Salom suggested that government institutions should provide mentorship and certification opportunities to help Namibian companies grow. He emphasized the importance of developing local companies' capacity to participate in the mining sector. Salom also stressed the need for a supplier path that leads to repeatable contracts, ensuring that local companies can sustain themselves over time.
Beyond local procurement, Salom emphasized that local communities can benefit from mining through shared infrastructure or development projects. He stressed the importance of accountability for public revenues, ensuring that taxes and royalties are used for the benefit of communities. Salom encouraged stakeholders to consider the broader social and environmental implications of mining.
Erongo governor Natalia |Goagoses echoed Salom's sentiments, emphasizing the need for consultation with communities before decisions are made about mining projects. She noted that communities want to know how mining will benefit them and stressed the importance of balancing economic opportunities with environmental protection and community livelihoods.
|Goagoses emphasized that mining takes place within communities and environments that depend on other activities. She advocated for responsible exploitation of economic opportunities while protecting environmental assets and community livelihoods. The governor's comments highlighted the need for a more nuanced approach to mining in Namibia.
The critical minerals dialogue in Swakopmund brought together stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges in Namibia's mining sector. The conference highlighted the need for a more inclusive approach to mining, one that goes beyond simple ownership and considers the broader social and environmental implications. Key stakeholders, including the NIPDB and government officials, emphasized the importance of developing local capacity and ensuring that communities benefit from mining activities.
Key points
- Local participation in Namibia's mining sector goes beyond simple ownership of mining licences.
- Government institutions should provide mentorship and certification opportunities to help Namibian companies grow.
- Communities can benefit from mining through shared infrastructure or development projects.
