Karibib-based marble mining company Omusati Granite says it loses approximately 2,500 granite blocks each year due to a pricing policy imposed by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, which prevents it from competing fairly in international markets.
According to a report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources, the company struggles with the Ministry’s predetermined selling price of N$3,302 (USD 180) per ton—significantly lower than the market average. The report states that Omusati Granite is unable to adjust its pricing to reflect global demand, as the Ministry withholds export permits if the company sets higher prices.
“According to the Finance Manager, around 2,500 granite blocks go to waste because they were not selected for purchase and were abandoned. The Ministry of Mines and Energy predetermined the selling price at N$3,302 (USD 180) per ton. However, the market average price has always been higher,” the report read.
Omusati Granite, which has been operating for over a decade, is privately owned, with 75% of shares held by German and Chinese investors and 25% by a Namibian individual. The company exports marble blocks to China and India and currently employs 50 Namibians and 18 Chinese nationals.
Despite its contribution to employment, the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives remain minimal. While some monetary donations have been made to the Karibib community, no major projects have been undertaken.
“The Finance Manager indicated that [the company] has not yet invested in major corporate social responsibility other than some monetary donations toward Karibib and had planned to donate Christmas food to locals with disabilities in December 2023,” the report stated.
Namibia’s marble industry generates an estimated N$30 to N$50 million annually, but companies like Omusati Granite say pricing restrictions are limiting their growth and competitiveness.
