Namibia’s mining sector is poised for prolific growth in the next five to 10 years because of significant levels of investment coming into the country.
This was said by Andrada Mining Limited chief executive Anthony Viljoen in a recent interview where he gave an overview of Namibia’s mining sector.
“Everyone is talking about oil, gas and green hydrogen, but I believe mining will still play a huge role,” he said.
According to Viljoen, three quarters of all the mines in Namibia are situated in conservancy areas where there is an abundance of ore and flora, and exploration will continue in those areas.
“This means 75% of the country’s mining revenue comes from conservancies,” he said.
Viljoen’s flagship Uis Tin Mine in the Erongo region signed a five-year ore supply agreement with Goantagab Tin Mine in June this year.
The future of Goantagab mine in the Sorris Sorris conservancy in the Kunene region is subject to a court battle between Uibasen Twyfelfontein and Doro !Nawas conservancies and tourism operator Ultimate Safaris against mining claim owners Timoteus Mashuna and Ottile Ndimulunde and Sorris Sorris.
The Namibia Competition Commission has also been drawn into the dispute.
Under the supply deal, Andrada will process 240 000 tonnes of Goantagab ore at its new N$100-million milling plant at Uis and also have an option to buy a 100% stake in Goantagab Mine for US$15 million (about N$300 million).
“There is a lot of underexplored geology and potential to start new operations, especially now that the world is evolving and looking for critical minerals, and areas that weren’t necessarily prospective historically are now prospective,” he said.
Viljoen says Andrada had applied for licences for old mining areas to restart mining operations at Uis, Lithium Ridge, Brandenburg West and soon at Goantagab.
Viljoen said since taking over Uis mine, Andrada had created 400 jobs and invested N$1.5 billion into the Uis community, working with institutions like Bank Windhoek.
“We believe our activities will bring a lot of economic benefits for the local communities, considering the multiplier effect,” he added.
This is in line with president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s call for more job creation initiatives in alignment with Swapo’s manifesto.
Viljoen says Andrada has always been interested in Goantagab mine where there is an estimated 30 000 to 40 000 tonnes of high-grade tin and at the current price of around US$33 500 per tonne, Goantagab mine could be worth US$1,34 billion (about N$25 billion).
Commenting on the Goantagab mining versus conservation controversy, Viljoen said Namibians should always look to work together and co-exist.
“One industry must not be favoured over another.
Obviously mining has a much bigger investment requirement and can create a lot more jobs but you also want to make sure the environment benefits future generations.”
Viljoen reiterated that the footprint they want is a tiny percentage of the 29 000 hectare conservancy area, leaving the rest of it for the rhino population.
“This is not the first time in the world that mining and conservation have worked together. We should sit down with the other stakeholders and reach a mutually beneficial solution.
On Andrada’s plans on rhino conservation, particularly in the Erongo region, he said: “It’s vital for the region, not only for the rhinos, but also for lions and elephants.”
He praised the work being done by Save the Rhino Trust and the Predator Trust.
“There are a lot of offset programmes and when you disturb one area, you can take the economic benefits and offset them in another area. We want to show the world that mining can co-exist with other industries,” he said.
– email: matthew@namibian.com.na
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