The National Assembly of Namibia has expressed concerns over the growing job insecurity in the country's mining sector. This follows an investigation by the parliamentary standing committee on poverty eradication, labour and industrial relations, which conducted oversight visits to mining operations in several regions. The committee found that mining companies are increasingly relying on subcontracted workers, creating a "dual labour market" where permanent employment is being replaced by cheaper contract labour.
According to the committee's report, mining revenues in Namibia increased by nearly 56% to N$6.861 billion in 2023. However, secure permanent employment has stagnated during this period. The committee noted that some principal mining companies have implemented retrenchments or voluntary separation schemes before hiring workers through subcontractors to perform similar duties at lower wages. This practice has raised concerns over the conditions faced by subcontracted workers, including limited access to pensions, medical aid, and leave benefits.
The committee's report also raised concerns over alleged breaches of occupational health and safety requirements in the mining sector. These breaches include inadequate personal protective equipment, exposure to dust, and 12-hour shifts. At Sino Mine in Tsumeb, workers alleged that management used voluntary retrenchments and outsourcing while excluding unions from the process. The committee also found similar concerns at other mines, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement of labour and safety laws.
The committee visited several mines, including Cheetah Cement in Otjiwarongo, where they raised concerns about technical engineering positions being occupied by foreign nationals without Namibian understudies. Workers also reported receiving second-hand overalls previously used by dismissed employees. At Rössing Uranium and Swakop Uranium's Husab Mine, the committee reported labour and safety concerns involving subcontractor Beifang, including alleged pressure on shop stewards and fears of reprisals among workers who raise concerns.
The committee's investigation also revealed concerns at Rosh Pinah Zinc Mine, where they halted a company presentation after questioning whether individuals presented as employee representatives were the legitimate elected representatives of workers. However, the committee singled out Navachab Gold Mine in Karibib for positive practices, citing employee involvement in its turnaround strategy, investment in employee housing, medical coverage, and local skills transfer.
The committee recommended that the ministry of mines and energy and the ministry of labour accelerate reforms to strengthen labour protections in the mining sector. Among the recommendations are the fast-tracking of the Occupational Safety and Health Bill, updating the Mines Ordinance of 1968, and amending the Labour Act of 2007 to address the use of labour-hire arrangements following retrenchments.
The committee emphasized that outsourcing should not undermine workers' rights or host communities. They suggested that mining and exploration licences be linked to compliance with labour protections, housing requirements, and specified local skills-transfer obligations. The committee's report highlights the need for stronger regulations and enforcement to protect workers' rights and ensure safe working conditions in Namibia's mining sector.
Key points
- The parliamentary committee found that mining companies in Namibia are increasingly relying on subcontracted workers, creating a "dual labour market" where permanent employment is being replaced by cheaper contract labour.
- The committee reported alleged breaches of occupational health and safety requirements, including inadequate personal protective equipment, exposure to dust, and 12-hour shifts.
- The committee recommended that the ministry of mines and energy and the ministry of labour accelerate reforms to strengthen labour protections in the mining sector.
