Martin Endjala
The Mines and Energy Deputy Minister Kornelia Shilunga has underscored the Sustainability and Performance Report as an important component of any operational company’s communication strategy when done well.
Good reports will inspire confidence among stakeholders and reinforce a company’s brand value.
She said that such a report also promotes accountability and transparency as it ensures that the company remains reliable and committed to adhering to the government’s mandates and community inclusivity.
The Deputy Minister said this yesterday during the launch of Rössing Uranium’s 2022 Sustainability and Performance Report in Windhoek.
She said that the company has embedded environmental, social, and governance issues as part of its corporate performance, adding that the country’s mineral resources must be developed sustainably, to achieve economic and social goals.
The manner, in which resources are maintained in the long run and to ensure that the environment is protected and human health and wellbeing are guaranteed while bearing in mind the benefit for the future generation.
She commended Rössing Uranium for being one of the mines that have built a resilient organization and have navigated through uncertain times and a volatile environment.
She said that despite global economic challenges and high inflation, the company has once again proved its resilient, given the fact that external factors such as supply disruption, high inflation rates, as well as prevailing geopolitics, did not deter them, and the net profit of N$840 million is testament to that.
However, she expressed her concerns about the level of local procurement in the mining industry which is not yet at a satisfactory level, despite its potential to improve the plight of previously disadvantaged Namibians and youth who are mostly left out of these opportunities.
“I am convinced that the best strategy is to empower the youth where the mine is operating and beyond, to invest in related sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing amongst others. This will in turn provide a positive impetus to the local economy. With an opportunity to adapt to the presence of the mine and to ideally survive post-mine closure,” Shilunga said.
She is called on all operational mines to increase their support to local businesses such as small miners and upcoming entrepreneurs.
She maintains that with the necessary mentorship, young people can be empowered to be innovative and contribute towards solutions to everyday challenges affecting society.
