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The 11th Mining Expo and Conference, held in Windhoek, Namibia, on 7-8 August 2024, marked a major milestone for the country’s mining sector. The event, themed “Green Shoots for Namibian Mining: A Season of Opportunities and Growth Driving Economic Expansion”, broke attendance records, with 199 exhibitors occupying 317 stands. The surge in attendance highlights the growing confidence in Namibia’s mineral potential, as evidenced by more than 1,000 new exploration license applications submitted in 2024.
In her keynote address, Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called for greater corporate involvement in the production of nuclear technology, highlighting the huge potential of nuclear technology in sectors as diverse as medicine, food and industrialization. She urged Namibia to more effectively develop its local uranium resources, noting that the country is the world’s third-largest uranium producer. Despite this, Namibia still imports about 70% of its electricity, a situation she suggested could be alleviated through the development of nuclear energy. The Vice President stressed that since the 1970s, Namibia’s uranium exports could provide the country with 100 times more electricity than its annual electricity consumption, but progress in nuclear energy has been slow due to economic, technological and regulatory challenges.
Nandi-Ndaitwa also noted that government revenue from mining will increase from N$4.4 billion in 2022 to N$6.8 billion in 2023, highlighting the key role of mining in the Namibian economy.
Against this promising backdrop, Uranium One, a subsidiary of Russian nuclear technology giant Rosatom, made a big splash at the expo with the launch of its latest project, the Wings project. The uranium exploration program focuses on a promising deposit in the Omahek region, approximately 300 km from Windhoek. With the potential to be developed into a successful in-situ leaching (ISL) mining operation, the Wings project captured the attention of expo visitors, making Uranium One’s stand one of the most popular at the show.
The Wings project is more than just a mining project. It is a significant opportunity for economic and industrial growth in Namibia. The project is expected to create approximately 600 new jobs in the Omaheke region and an additional 4,000 jobs in related industries across the country. In addition, the project will invest $500 million in the Omaheke region and generate an additional $3.5 billion in tax revenue once it is operational.
Uranium One’s involvement at the expo was not limited to showcasing the Wings project. The company held a series of business meetings with representatives from various ministries, agencies, partners and public organizations. These discussions highlighted the key role of the mining industry in the Namibian economy and emphasized the significant economic and social benefits that the Wings project will bring to the region and the country.
One of the key strengths of the Wings project is its commitment to environmental sustainability. ISL mining is considered the most environmentally friendly and safest method globally to extract uranium without causing any disturbance to the surrounding rock. ISL operations are closely monitored, significantly reducing the risk of groundwater contamination compared to traditional mining methods, and are equipped with robust containment and recovery systems to prevent any leaks or environmental impacts.
As this approach minimizes environmental impact, reduces carbon footprint, and ensures a safer working environment for those involved in the mining process, local farmers and community leaders, such as Leonardville Traditional Leader Wilhelmina Witbooi, have voiced their support for the project, noting that it is seen as a boon for the region.
The expo also featured key announcements from industry figures including Namibia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, who reported a surge in exploration activity, with more than 600 new license applications submitted as of December 2023 and a further 400 received since January 2024. Alweendo noted that this influx is a positive sign of growing confidence in Namibia’s mineral resources, which can create jobs, increase government revenues and significantly boost economic development.
The mining sector’s contribution to GDP increased from 11.9% in 2022 to 14.4% in 2023, with local procurement spending exceeding N21 billion. He also highlighted the growth in direct employment in the sector, with jobs increasing by 12.6% to about 18,189, as well as a significant increase in corporate social responsibility spending.
As Namibia continues to position itself as a global leader in mining, projects like Wings will play a key role in driving economic growth, boosting job creation and ensuring sustainable development for future generations.
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