Staff Writer
The Chamber of Mines of Namibia says safety performance across member mining operations improved during 2025, with zero fatalities recorded among its members and fewer workplace injuries reported.
Chamber president George Botshiwe said health and safety remain the industry’s top priority.
He said every worker should return home safely and without injury or occupational illness.
“It is therefore with deep regret that the industry recorded a fatality in November 2025 at a non-Chamber member operation,” Botshiwe said.
Although the fatality did not happen at a chamber member mine, he said the incident affected the entire mining sector and highlighted the dangers linked to mining operations.
“As an industry, we remain firmly guided by the principle that one fatality is one too many, regardless of where it occurs,” he said.
Botshiwe said the Chamber’s Health and Safety Committee investigated the circumstances around the incident to help share lessons and strengthen prevention measures across the industry.
According to the Chamber, member operations recorded zero fatalities in 2025 and showed improved safety indicators compared to 2024.
Lost day injuries declined by 23%, while disabling injuries dropped by 22%.
The lost day injury frequency rate improved from 1.76 to 1.31, while the disabling injury frequency rate improved from 1.17 to 0.85.
Botshiwe said the improvements reflect stronger safety practices across mining operations and the work of the Chamber’s Health and Safety Committee through peer review programmes.
He said mining companies continue to share safety practices, investigate incidents and introduce corrective measures to reduce future accidents.
“Through this collaborative approach, the industry continues to learn, improve and work collectively towards our ultimate goal of zero harm in Namibia’s mining sector,” he said.
Botshiwe also raised concern about increasing road deaths in Namibia, saying many mine employees and contractors face risks while travelling to and from work.
“But our responsibility does not end at the mine gate. We are increasingly confronted by a growing risk on our national roads,” he said.
He said the mining industry will need to work with government, communities and other stakeholders to improve road safety and protect lives.
