The launch of NPPC - which is an initiative of the Namibia Chamber of Mines, Namdeb, Rosh Pinah and Skorpion Zinc - served to formalise the BEE preferential procurement initiative and the accredited supplier database.

It was also aimed at conveying a message to all mining suppliers, participating organisations and institutions that supplier companies are now to conform to the proposed broad based BEE scorecard, which is a revised accreditation process.

The scorecard in the mining sector covers elements such as ownership, management, employment equity, skills development, preferential procurement, small and medium enterprise development among others.

Malverene Rittman, a member of the NPPC, said all mining companies, suppliers and service providers would be impacted by the implementation of the broad based BEE scorecard and companies conforming requirements would be accredited accordingly.

Mines and Energy Minister, Erkki Nghimtina said although economic transformation was normally a difficult and controversial journey, he was happy with the progress made so far through empowerment policies being used by the various mining companies in the south.

The Minister commended the private sector in its efforts in trying to ensure the transformation within the mining industry by incorporating the formerly disadvantaged.

"Today's (Friday) launch of the NPPC should therefore not be seen as an end in itself but the beginning of a very important process in broadening the base of ownership and active participation in companies that are forming the foundation of our economy.

"The establishment of the NPPC is therefore, a commendable achievement that needs our full support and active participation," said Nghimtina.

He reiterated concerns that have been highlighted earlier saying BEE should not benefit a small elite group of black people but Namibians who deserve.

Nghimtina also urged the big mining companies to be flexible and comply with the broad-based BEE requirements.

"The key to Namibia's future success in the ever changing global economy and the essence of the BEE strategy is to ensure that through our policies and programmes there is greater participation by more black people in our economy."

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