Niël Terblanché
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged the mining industry to deepen its contribution to national development by investing more in local communities, youth empowerment, and value addition.
During her visit to Rössing Uranium Mine in Arandis on Saturday, she stressed the need for mining operations to align with the government’s goals of economic transformation and sustainable development.
“Mining contributes immensely to our fiscus. I am convinced that we have not yet exploited the full potential of our mining sector,” she said.
She reiterated the importance of transforming the livelihoods of the nation through industrial and manufacturing bases built on value addition and beneficiation.
The president acknowledged Rössing Uranium’s resilience during challenging periods and welcomed the extension of the mine’s life from 2027 to 2036.
She commended the company’s efforts in maintaining production capacity and sustaining employment.
“Let me commend the Rössing Uranium management for your leadership and resilience during the difficult years of the mine,” she said.
She, however, called for more substantial efforts in improving workers’ welfare and community development.
“The mining industry must look after their workers, in terms of a living wage, accommodation, health care and a pension that should enable them to live a dignified life after their productive lives have come to an end,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also stressed the importance of investing in the potential of the youth and local economies.
She urged mining companies to offer sustainable and quality jobs, scholarships, training, internships, and funds for young entrepreneurs.
“We want mining companies to invest in the potential of our youth and the local economies where they operate,” she said.
She also advocated for the promotion of sustainable mining practices that prioritize local economic empowerment and environmental stewardship.
She expressed the government’s commitment to working closely with the mining sector to ensure operations thrive in a conducive environment.
The President also touched on the potential of uranium in Namibia’s energy mix, suggesting the exploration of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
“Let us start moving towards the construction of a nuclear power plant in Namibia and identify potential partnerships to achieve this goal,” she proposed.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah also expressed gratitude to the Rössing Foundation for its commitment to corporate social responsibility and socio-economic development.
She acknowledged the foundation’s sustained investment in education, agriculture, health, and community upliftment.
“Through sustained investment in education, agriculture, health, and community upliftment, the Foundation continues to demonstrate the transformative role that responsible industry can play in building a more inclusive and resilient Namibia,” she said.
She urged Rössing Uranium to ensure that the residents of Arandis feel the positive impact of the mining activities in their area.
“Let the residents of Arandis feel they are living in a mining area that is run by people who care about the people who welcome them in their home and their country,” she said.
Rössing Uranium’s managing director, Johan Coetzee, assured the President of the company’s commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.
He reiterated the mine’s efforts to maintain production capacity and sustain employees during challenging times.
Coetzee said the extension of the mine’s life from 2027 to 2036 aligns with the government’s initiative of value addition to sustain national development.
