Namibia says large portions of its critical mineral reserves remain underexplored despite strong geological potential, underscoring the need for long-term investment and sustained exploration work.
Speaking during a recently held event, National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said the gap between potential and actual development must be addressed if the country is to fully benefit from its mineral endowment.
“While potential is high, much of Namibia’s critical mineral wealth remains underexplored, requiring significant investment and sustained exploration work to fully unlock,” she said.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said that as Namibia advances its industrialisation agenda under the Sixth National Development Plan, the mining sector is expected to evolve into a globally competitive driver of inclusive growth, export diversification and financial innovation.
Her remarks come as Namibia outlines a series of reforms aimed at strengthening governance, improving development outcomes and maximising the long-term economic value of critical minerals.
She highlighted the rapid expansion of activities linked to lithium, rare earth elements and cobalt, driven by rising global demand for green energy inputs, while stressing that Namibia’s policy approach is anchored in national priorities.
“Namibia recognises the growing importance of critical minerals in global supply chains. Our approach is guided by national priorities rather than external demand. Parliament has a duty to ensure that critical and strategic minerals advance local value addition, job creation, and economic diversification,” Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said.
According to the report referenced at the event, government policies promoting local processing have begun attracting sustained international interest. While uranium, diamonds and copper continue to dominate mining exports, critical minerals are now central to Namibia’s planned industrialisation efforts.
Several reforms are currently underway, including the proposed Minerals Bill, which seeks to align the existing 1992 legislation with modern industry standards and provide the minister with powers to declare certain minerals strategic when required.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said the reforms are intended to strengthen oversight and ensure the mining sector contributes more directly to national development objectives.
“The Minerals Bill is under stakeholder validation and is aimed at addressing gaps identified during its administration. The government has restricted the export of unprocessed lithium, cobalt, manganese, graphite, and rare earths to encourage local beneficiation. The Mineral Beneficiation Strategy promotes skill development and industrial diversification,” she said.
Additional measures include the finalisation of a Local Content Policy and progress towards a Critical Raw Materials strategy, both aimed at ensuring that Namibian businesses and local communities derive tangible benefits through procurement rules, employment opportunities and skills development initiatives.
