10th Mining Expo and Conference in Namibia slated for August
The Chamber of Mines of Namibia has announced its 10th Mining Expo and Conference, scheduled to be held on 30th and 31st of August at the Windhoek Showgrounds.
The event’s theme will be “Namibia’s role in the sustainable supply of minerals to support the global energy transition,” aiming to highlight Namibia’s significant contribution to the global shift towards sustainable energy usage.
Namibia is seen as having abundant untapped resources of critical minerals, uranium, oil and gas, and green hydrogen, making it well-positioned to play a central role in supporting the global energy transition and creating new economic opportunities within the mining sector.
The Chief Executive of the Chamber of Mines, Veston Malango, revealed that there are currently 86 exhibitors registered for the event, compared to 98 in the previous year. However, they expect more exhibitors to join as negotiations continue, expressing optimism about surpassing the total number of exhibitors compared to the previous year.
Mining Expo and Conference
This year’s Mining Expo & Conference will also include a focus on the oil and gas sector, as the Chamber Constitution now defines minerals to include oil and gas. A dedicated area known as the Oil & Gas Pavilion will be set up to showcase the rising importance of the oil and gas industry and explore potential synergies with the mining and energy sectors.
One of the notable features of the event will be the introduction of a complete database capturing all inputs of goods and services consumed within Namibia’s mining sector. Created in collaboration with the Development Bank of Namibia, MME, and the Chamber of Mines, this database aims to transform the industry by identifying lucrative business opportunities, deepening the supply chain, and promoting local content objectives.
Namibia’s mining industry has played a crucial role in the country’s economy, experiencing significant growth in 2022, driven by increased diamond output. The industry’s contribution to Namibia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has also increased, reaching 12.2% in 2022 compared to 9.1% in 2021. Additionally, the mining industry provided jobs to 16,147 individuals in 2022, reflecting its importance in generating direct employment.
The Chamber of Mines expressed its excitement about being a part of this milestone event, which is expected to uncover new business opportunities in the flourishing mining industry. The inclusion of the oil and gas sector in the event demonstrates Namibia’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive extractives sector.
RMB, a well-known financial services provider, is the anchor sponsor for this year’s Mining Expo and Conference, with Continental Lithium Africa also contributing as a secondary sponsor. Their support signifies the collaborative efforts of the industry and their dedication to the growth and development of Namibia’s mining sector.
