The Chamber of Mines of Namibia has called on the government to accelerate regulatory approvals and finalise outstanding legislation, warning that delays could slow mining investment and project delivery.
Chamber President George Botshiwe said the industry has made significant progress towards its commitments under the Namibia Public Private Forum (NamPPF), but additional government support is needed to unlock further investment.
He identified the faster processing of Environmental Clearance Certificates (ECCs), the finalisation of the Minerals Bill and improved coordination across government institutions as key priorities to support mine development.
Botshiwe said the mining industry contributes about 14% of Namibia’s GDP, paid nearly N$8 billion to the fiscus and procured almost N$24 billion worth of goods and services locally.
He added that the sector currently supports more than 20,000 direct jobs and approximately 45,000 indirect jobs.
“The industry has committed to creating more than 18,000 jobs and mobilising approximately N$3 billion in investment under the NamPPF,” he said.
Botshiwe said several projects are already advancing, including Osino Resources’ Twin Hills gold mine, the Navachab underground expansion, uranium developments and major water infrastructure investments.
However, he said projects such as the Rössing life extension, Sinomine’s processing conversion project and the proposed marine phosphate project still require key regulatory approvals before they can proceed.
Osino Resources Country Director Werner Schuckmann echoed concerns over regulatory timelines, saying delays in decision-making, the approval of Environmental Clearance Certificates and the processing of work visas remain challenges for mine construction.
He said delays in obtaining specialist work visas can affect project schedules, particularly where international technical expertise is required during construction.
Bannerman Energy Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer Danny van Aswegen said mining projects operate against fixed delivery schedules agreed with investors.
He said delays in issuing permits or specialist work visas can affect equipment commissioning and ultimately postpone the delivery of mineral products to market.
Swakop Uranium Executive Vice President Irvinne Simataa said prolonged decision-making continues to increase project costs.
Using the proposed Erongo desalination project as an example, he said discussions that began 21 years ago have significantly increased the project’s cost, noting that a project that may once have cost about N$900 million is now estimated at just under N$3 billion.
“Government and the private sector should leverage each other’s strengths, with industry providing financial and technical capacity while government creates a predictable regulatory environment,” he said.
Simataa also called for greater consultation with the private sector during policy development, saying transparent engagement would help accelerate the implementation of strategic mining investments.
