Chinese-owned Sinomine Copper Smelter at Tsumeb has announced that construction of Namibia’s first-ever germanium plant is underway. The company’s expansion plans include a N$4 billion investment, scheduled for completion by the end of 2027, with operations expected to commence in 2028. This significant investment is expected to boost economic growth and create new employment opportunities in the region.
The expansion is expected to create a peak construction workforce of between 1 400 and 1 600 people. Once the expansion becomes operational, Sinomine plans to increase its permanent workforce from its current 350 employees to approximately 580. The company is prioritizing local employment and skills transfer, with a focus on young Namibians. Sinomine is working with national institutions, including the University of Namibia and the Namibia University of Science and Technology.
The company’s commitment to community development was highlighted during the handover of a N$100 000 contribution by Sinomine Community Trust to the office of the governor of the Oshikoto region. The contribution aims to support essential community projects and development initiatives in the region. Oshikoto regional governor Sacky Kathindi welcomed the donation, describing it as an example of the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector.
Executive vice president of Sinomine, Barcelona Tsauses, emphasized the company’s focus on local employment and skills transfer. Tsauses said Sinomine is working with national institutions to secure skilled workers and strengthen the capabilities of existing qualified professionals. The collaboration is intended to ensure that Namibians are equipped with the skills required to work with the new technologies being introduced through the company’s expansion.
Sinomine’s existing contribution to communities was also highlighted, with the company investing N$4.6 million in community development between September 2024 and mid-2025. The majority of that investment was directed towards education, including the provision of IT equipment to schools in the Oshikoto region. The company is also planning to broaden its community development activities beyond mining-related initiatives.
One of the new initiatives includes the establishment of a N$3 million agricultural hub in Tsumeb, intended to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for residents who are unable to participate in mining activities. The agricultural initiative is expected to create an alternative avenue for economic participation and support residents whose livelihoods may not directly benefit from employment in the mining sector.
Governor Kathindi commended Sinomine Community Trust for its corporate social responsibility and for recognizing the importance of supporting the work of the governor’s office. Kathindi emphasized the need for partnerships between the government, private sector, and communities to achieve meaningful development. He assured the company that the N$100 000 contribution would be handled responsibly and used for its intended purpose.
Key points
- Sinomine’s N$4 billion expansion is expected to create up to 1 600 jobs.
- The company is prioritizing local employment and skills transfer, with a focus on young Namibians.
- Sinomine has invested N$4.6 million in community development, with plans to establish a N$3 million agricultural hub in Tsumeb.
