Namibia’s diamond production rebounded sharply in January 2025, with the Diamond Production Index increasing by 34.9% after a 6.1% decline in December 2024, official data from the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) shows.
On an annual basis, the index recorded a 14.3% increase, driven by higher diamond output, as total production reached 241,393 carats.
“During the review period, a total of 241,393 carats of diamonds were produced, higher when compared to 178,890 carats and 211,108 carats produced in December 2024 and January 2024, respectively,” the NSA noted.
The surge in diamond production was the primary driver of the Mining Production Composite Index, which rose by 13.8% both month-on-month and year-on-year.
Declines in Gold, Uranium, and Zinc Production
While diamond production saw significant growth, production levels for gold bullion, uranium, and zinc concentrate declined during the period.
“Mining Production Composite Index, which includes diamonds, gold bullion, uranium and zinc concentrate & contained, increased by 13.8% in January 2025, compared to a growth of 3.7% recorded in the previous month. Similarly, the index rose by 13.8% year on year,” said the NSA.
The Gold Bullion Production Index contracted by 4.9% in January 2025, following a 2.0% decline in December 2024. However, year-on-year, the index rose by 2.8%.
“In January 2025, a total of 889kg of gold bullion was produced, a dip when compared to 935kg produced in December 2024. However, this was higher than the 865kg produced in the corresponding month of 2024,” the NSA reported.
The Uranium Production Index declined by 11.1% in January 2025, in contrast to a 44.4% growth in December 2024. Despite the monthly drop, the index registered a 28.0% year-on-year increase.
“In absolute terms, an amount of 796 tonnes of uranium was produced during the reporting period, while in the preceding month, production stood at 896 tonnes. Lower production was experienced in the corresponding month of 2024, producing 622 tonnes of uranium,” said the NSA.
The Zinc Concentrate & Contained Production Index also fell by 37.4% in January 2025, reversing the 29.4% growth recorded in December 2024. However, year-on-year, the index showed a slight increase of 0.1%.
“A total of 6,109 tonnes of zinc concentrate & contained were produced during the period under review, lower than the 9,752 tonnes produced in December 2024, while 6,104 tonnes were produced in the corresponding month of 2024,” the NSA noted.
The latest figures underscore the significant role of diamond production in driving Namibia’s mining output while highlighting declines in other key mineral sectors.
