TIRI MASAWI
An international Labour Organisation (ILO) report has exposed failure by the Namibian mining to employ women and tilt gender balance in the work place, as well as failure to create the much expected jobs and meaningful value addition.
The Chamber of Mines of Namibia has however challenged the report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO)that said the mining industry in Namibia continues to extract raw minerals for export with little value addition.
ILO country Director for aNamibia and Zimbabwe is Philile Masuku.
The ILO also said the Namibian mining sector is not creating enough jobs for the country because of its highly technical and mechanised form which limits absorption of human resources.
The ILO was speaking at a recent public dialogue on the Promotion of Decent Work in the Mining Sector.
“The sector has not transformed significantly from extraction and export of minerals in their raw materials to increased value addition and beneficiation that would create more jobs locally. Countries like Chile have implemented policies to enhance local employment through value-added processing and community engagement, resulting in a more diversified job market. Similarly, Canada has integrated Indigenous communities into mining operations, promoting inclusive employment practices,”ILO said in reference to the Namibian mining sector.
Responding to this the Chamber of Mines Chief Economist , Lauren Graham said the assertion that Namibia exports minerals in raw form without value addition is incorrect.
She said the mining industry undertakes significant value addition within the mining value chain, with most minerals processed to concentrate level before export.
“Historically and currently, Namibia’s mining sector has undertaken meaningful value addition within the country. The Tschudi copper mine produces refined copper cathode, while the Skorpion operation produced special high-grade zinc metal for export markets before it was placed on care and maintenance,” Graham said.
She said on the contrary the Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter previously produced blister copper from imported concentrates.
However, Sinomine has since ceased copper operations at the smelter, and the facility is now being converted to process recycled metals.
“These examples demonstrate that value addition and mineral processing form an integral part of Namibia’s mining value chain,” she said.
The ILO representative noted that while Namibia’s policies are supportive of female representation, outcomes within the mining sector remain limited- a situation the Chamber acknowledged saying the mining remains male-dominated. The Chamber said member companies continue to implement deliberate programmes to improve female participation across technical, professional and leadership roles. Progress is being made, and gender inclusion remains a priority for the industry.
“Despite the mining industry committing to local procurement as a critical factor in the promotion of inclusive economic growth, a lot more still needs to be done to reach the 51% ownership policy target by Government and ensuring fair benefit sharing allowing the sector to move beyond raw material extraction to processing and manufacturing, creating more and better-paying jobs and retaining more economic value domestically.,”ILO said
The Chamber said they welcome robust and constructive dialogue on decent work, transformation, inclusion and sustainability within the mining sector.
“These are important national priorities that the industry takes seriously. However, public discourse must be grounded in accurate data, contextual understanding and recognition of the sector’s full economic contribution,” Graham said.
She added that while mining is capital-intensive by nature, its direct and indirect employment footprint, value chain linkages, fiscal contribution and ongoing sustainability initiatives underscore its strategic importance to Namibia’s economy. “The industry continues to invest in skills development, gender inclusion, responsible environmental management and commercially viable value addition.
“The Chamber remains committed to working collaboratively with Government, labour, development partners and other stakeholders to strengthen policy certainty, enhance competitiveness and ensure that mining delivers sustainable and inclusive economic benefits for the Namibian people,” Graham said.
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