Namibia is seeking to deepen cooperation with Finland in mining technology, digital transformation, skills development and mineral beneficiation as it looks to extract greater value from its mineral resources and strengthen the competitiveness of its mining sector.
Speaking at a reception for a Finnish mining delegation in Windhoek ahead of the 13th Namibia Mining Expo and Conference, Deputy Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Gaudentia Kröhne said Namibia is looking to build long-term partnerships that support sustainable mining, operational efficiency and local value addition.
She said Finland’s expertise in mining technology, engineering, innovation and environmental management aligns with Namibia’s ambition to develop a modern and competitive mining industry.
“Namibia is particularly interested in collaborations that support sustainable mining practices, modern exploration technologies, digital transformation in mining operations, skills and capacity development, local value addition and beneficiation, environmental management and rehabilitation, as well as research, innovation, and technology transfer,” Kröhne said.
She said mining remains one of Namibia’s key economic sectors, contributing significantly to export earnings, government revenue, employment and infrastructure development.
Kröhne noted that Namibia is a leading producer of uranium and diamonds while also hosting significant deposits of copper, gold, zinc, lithium, rare earth elements and other critical minerals needed for the global energy transition.
She said growing international demand for critical minerals presents an opportunity for Namibia to increase value addition through strategic international partnerships.
“Partnerships with technologically advanced countries such as Finland become increasingly important as Namibia seeks to unlock greater value from its mineral resources,” she said.
The Finnish delegation comprises companies operating across the mining value chain, including exploration services, underground mining technology, mineral processing, drilling technologies and industrial filtration systems.
Kröhne highlighted companies such as Comadev, Normet, Valmet, Metso and Robit, saying their technologies could help improve mining productivity, safety and environmental performance in Namibia.
Finland’s Ambassador to Namibia, Katja Kalamäki, said the visit reflects growing interest from Finnish companies in Namibia’s mining sector and provides an opportunity to strengthen commercial and institutional partnerships.
She said Finland has developed extensive mining expertise over several decades and remains committed to responsible resource development.
“Finland is a country with a long mining tradition. We have 45 mines in Finland, and we are the largest producer of gold, platinum, and palladium in the EU and the only country with cobalt in the EU. We have the know-how when it comes to mining,” Kalamäki said.
She said responsible mining extends beyond mineral extraction and must create lasting value for communities, the environment and the wider economy.
“Responsible mining is not only about extracting minerals. It is about creating lasting value for communities, the environment, and the economy,” she said.
Kalamäki highlighted the ProLith project between Andrada Mining and the Geological Survey of Finland, supported by the European Union, as an example of ongoing cooperation to strengthen mineral value chains and promote innovation.
She said rising global demand for critical minerals will require closer international collaboration between governments, researchers and the private sector.
The delegation also includes Mining Finland, an industry network that supports Finnish mining companies seeking opportunities in international markets.
Kröhne encouraged Finnish companies to view Namibia as a long-term strategic partner for investment, technology transfer and industrial development, rather than solely as a market for mining equipment and services.
