• Pages
  • Editions
01 Cover
02 Welcome Letter / Sections
03 Index & Interview Directory
04 Section 1: Introduction
05 The Road to Recovery
06 ABSA Group Interview
07 PwC Interview
08 Regional Trends
09 Sustainability & ESG Gaining Momentum
10 SRK Consulting Interview
11 Nafasi Water & ZN Geo Services Interviews
12 Section 2: Production, Development and Exploration
13 Precious Metals
14 Gold Fields Interview
15 Harmony & Pan African Resources Interviews
16 Base and Energy Metals
17 Lepidico Interview
18 Trevali Mining Interview
19 Orion Minerals Interview
20 Vedanta Zinc International Interview
21 Kumba Iron Ore Interview
22 Diamonds
23 Lucara Diamond Interview
24 Debswana Interview
25 Section 3: South Africa
26 South Africa
27 Ministry of Mineral Resouces and Energy SA Interview
28 Minerals Council SA Interview
29 Seriti & Exxaro Resources Interviews
30 NSDV & ENSafrica Interviews
31 Insights on South African Mining Industry's Health
32 Section 4: Namibia
33 Namibia
34 Chamber of Mines Namibia Interview
35 RMB & Standard Bank Namibia Interviews
36 Walvis Bay Salt Holdings Interview
37 Insights on Namibia as a Mining Investment Destination
38 Section 5: Equipment and Services
39 The Journey to Modern Mining
40 Murray & Roberts Interview
41 Kal Tire Interview
42 Eazi Access Interview
43 METC Engineering Interview
44 Insights on Digital Mining Revolution in Africa
45 MEMSA Interview
46 Fabchem Mining Interview
47 Insights from Local Manufacturers
48 Energy
49 juwi Interview
50 Engie Impact & Vivo Energy Interviews
51 Howden Interview
52 Section 6: Sponsored Company Profiles
53 Trevali Company Profile
54 Murray & Roberts Company Profile
55 Concluding Remarks
56 Credits

Fabian Shaanika, Sector Lead: Mining and Natural Resources,

RAND MERCHANT BANK (RMB) NAMIBIA

"There is room for improvement in how exploration licenses are allocated."

How significant is the mining industry to the Namibian economy?

Namibia is a renowned mining jurisdiction, home to some of the world’s largest uranium deposits, and is the world’s largest producer of marine diamonds. It relies on the industry for economic growth as it contributes approximately 10% to the country’s GDP. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic and resulting restrictions, mining’s contribution to Namibia’s GDP contracted by about 12% over the past year.

There are ongoing efforts to develop local beneficiation. For example, in the diamond industry there has been an enormous drive to promote the local cutting and polishing industry. Today, 15% of the diamond production in Namibia is handled by a local Namibian company. Although still at feasibility stage, there are plans to increase the amount of locally refined zinc with the possible conversion of a zinc refinery plant in Namibia.

What is hindering the Namibian mining industry’s growth?

There is room for improvement in how exploration licenses are allocated. Currently, there is a complete moratorium on issuing new licenses within Namibia, which will only be removed in August this year. It was put in place because the Ministry saw a need for improvement in the licensing process and established a new policy and regulatory frameworks. By the end of 2021, we will have a positive policy outcome and (hopefully) a more conducive environment. The availability and quality of geological and geophysical data could also improve. Currently, the Geological Survey of Namibia hosts and owns the geological data sets. This information should be easily accessible to the scientific and mining fraternity and should be free (or subsidised) to encourage exploration investment.

Kerikora Kavari, Account Executive: Mining & Metals,

STANDARD BANK NAMIBIA

"There is a challenge around skills development, but a number of higher institutions are starting to design and develop specific courses to address the shortage of skills in the mining industry."

How does Standard Bank Namibia support the mining industry?

In addition to providing funding and access to liquidity, more recently our focus has been on partnering with the mining sector providing solutions that are not necessarily in the day-to-day operations of a bank. As a financier, we ensure that we take part in critical conversations that happen in the sector.

What has been Namibia and the mining sector’s experience with the pandemic?

The mining industry’s contribution to the GDP has decreased over the past year as mineral prices were affected, operations were delayed, economic activity in key demand markets slowed down, and there were logistical challenges in getting raw materials in and finished products out. Mining houses faced a very complex operating environment of trying to continue to operate while also maintaining the necessary safety measures In terms of recovery, the Namibian government has made considerable efforts to mitigate risks. The industry has also learnt valuable lessons throughout the pandemic and now has to continue to apply those to increase productivity and efficiency. The impact and uncertainty of the pandemic continues, but there seems to now be a glimmer of hope on the horizon.

How would you characterize the health of the Namibian mining industry compared to other mining jurisdictions?

The Namibian mining industry is quite resilient, as demonstrated over the past few months through continuing to operate in these unprecedented times

There are certain industrial and battery minerals that will play an essential role in the future, and Namibia is well-positioned for this.

Namibia offers a socio-political environment that is favourable to investors. There is a challenge around skills development, but a number of higher institutions are starting to design and develop specific courses to address the shortage of skills in the mining industry.

Next:

Interview: Walvis Bay Salt Holdings