Sostenus Wilherm
Chinese-owned Sinomine Copper Smelter at Tsumeb has announced that construction of Namibia’s first-ever germanium plant is underway, with peak employment expected to reach between 1 400 and 1 600 people as the company expands its operations in the country.
The announcement was made during the handover of a N$100 000 contribution by Sinomine Community Trust to the office of the governor of the Oshikoto region on Monday.
The contribution aims to support essential community projects and development initiatives in the region.
The contribution was received by Oshikoto regional governor Sacky Kathindi, who welcomed the donation and described it as an example of the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector.
“On behalf of my office, the Oshikoto Regional Council and the people of our region, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to Sinomine Community Trust for its generous commitment of N$100 000,” Kathindi said.
He said the contribution represented more than financial support, as it demonstrated the company’s willingness to partner with the government in improving the wellbeing and development of communities.
“This contribution is more than a financial commitment. It demonstrates your willingness to partner with the government and to contribute towards the development and wellbeing of our communities,” he said.
Executive vice president of Sinomine, Barcelona Tsauses, said the company was prioritising local employment and skills transfer as construction of the germanium plant and other expansion activities progressed.
Tsauses said particular attention was being given to young Namibians, with Sinomine working with national institutions including the University of Namibia and the Namibia University of Science and Technology to secure skilled workers and strengthen the capabilities of existing qualified professionals.
The collaboration is intended to ensure that Namibians are equipped with the skills required to work with the new technologies being introduced through the company’s expansion.
The company’s second construction phase represents an investment of N$4 billion and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027, with operations expected to commence in 2028.
Once the expansion becomes operational, Sinomine plans to increase its permanent workforce from its current 350 employees to approximately 580.
The expected employment increase comes against the backdrop of Sinomine’s wider expansion plans, with the peak construction workforce projected to reach between 1 400 and 1 600 people.
Tsauses also highlighted Sinomine’s existing contribution to communities, revealing that the company invested N$4.6 million in community development between September 2024 and mid-2025.
According to Tsauses, the majority of that investment was directed towards education, including the provision of IT equipment to schools in the Oshikoto region.
The company is also planning to broaden its community development activities beyond mining-related initiatives.
Tsauses said Sinomine plans to establish a N$3 million agricultural hub in Tsumeb, which is intended to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for residents who are unable to participate in mining activities.
The agricultural initiative is expected to create an alternative avenue for economic participation and support residents whose livelihoods may not directly benefit from employment in the mining sector.
Kathindi said the government recognised that meaningful development could not be achieved by the government alone and required cooperation between different stakeholders.
“As a government, we recognise that meaningful development cannot be achieved by the government alone. It requires strong partnerships with the private sector, development partners, civil society and our communities,” Kathindi said.
He commended Sinomine Community Trust for its corporate social responsibility and for recognising the importance of supporting the work of the governor’s office.
“I therefore commend Sinomine Community Trust for recognising the importance of supporting the work of the governor’s office and for demonstrating corporate social responsibility in a practical manner,” he said.
Kathindi further assured the company that the N$100 000 contribution would be handled responsibly and used for its intended purpose.
“Let me assure you that this contribution will be received with the utmost appreciation and will be utilised responsibly and in accordance with its intended purpose,” he said.
He also welcomed the continued cooperation between the governor’s office and Sinomine, saying partnerships of this nature could contribute significantly to the development and wellbeing of people in Oshikoto.
“We value this partnership and look forward to strengthening our cooperation with Sinomine Community Trust in the interest of the people of Oshikoto region,” Kathindi said.
Kathindi expressed appreciation for the company’s contribution and commitment to Oshikoto, saying, “May this partnership continue to grow from strength to strength.”
