Mining companies that violate workers’ rights and labour standards should face consequences that could extend to their mining licences, the Mineworkers’ Union of Namibia (MUN) has proposed.
The union is pushing for labour considerations to be built into Namibia’s mining licensing and investment approval processes, arguing that workers should have a voice before prospective investors are allowed to operate.
MUN General Secretary George Ampweya said organised labour should be included in key tripartite forums, immigration selection boards and high-level engagements between prospective investors and the government before mining licences are issued.
“This would ensure that workers’ rights and labour standards are incorporated into strategic investment and licensing conditions, with violations attracting tangible corrective measures, including consequences for the holding of mining licences,” Ampweya said.
The proposal would strengthen the link between a mining company’s ability to retain its operating rights and its compliance with labour standards, placing worker protection alongside other considerations governing mining investment.
MUN’s position comes as Namibia pushes to extract greater economic benefits from its mineral resources through employment, local participation, beneficiation and increased domestic value creation.
Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation Minister Wise Immanuel said Namibia’s mineral wealth should translate into greater economic benefits for workers rather than being limited to extraction and exports.
“This is about resource nationalism, the principle that we must derive more value from our natural resources, rather than merely extracting them and shipping them out without any value addition,” Immanuel said.
He said workers should be central to policy decisions governing the sector.
“This conversation is about workers’ empowerment, that every decision we make as policymakers must have workers at the centre of it, in terms of ensuring that mining in this country leads to generational wealth creation,” Immanuel said.
The push for stronger worker protection comes against the impact that mine closures and operational disruptions can have on mining-dependent communities.
The closure of Scorpion Zinc in Rosh Pinah resulted in the loss of around 500 jobs, affecting an economy heavily dependent on mining activity.
Justina Jonas, delivering the keynote address on behalf of Industries, Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse, said the government and stakeholders were working towards restarting the Scorpion Zinc mine and refinery.
“The government, together with key stakeholders including the workers represented here, is working towards a responsible solution to restart the Scorpion Zinc mine and refinery operation,” Jonas said.
“At this juncture, closure is not an option. Our focus must remain on protecting jobs, restoring competitiveness and keeping our communities alive.”
The employment risks associated with disruptions to mining operations are also significant in Oranjemund, where Namdeb’s diamond operations employ more than 700 people.
Jonas said unemployment in the //Kharas Region remained at about 38%, increasing the pressure to protect existing mining jobs and sustain economic activity in mining-dependent communities.
MUN is also seeking stronger protection for workers beyond their active employment.
Acting President Poco-Key Mberiuana said the union was engaging stakeholders on medical aid, pension arrangements and funeral cover for former members and their grandchildren.
“We need to have medical aid and a pension fund, and we are busy engaging on funeral cover for former members and their grandchildren,” Mberiuana said.
