Namibia - Sustainable use of the mineral resource potential III
Country / Region: Namibia / Africa
Focal Point: Mineral resources
Begin of project: May 1, 2022
End of project: April 30, 2025
Status of project: May 8, 2024
Fieldwork and on-the-job training in the Tantalite Valley
Source: BGR
Namibia is a country with many mineral resources. With a share of around 10 % of gross domestic product (2021: 9.1 %, 2022: 12.2 % of GDP), the mining sector is one of the most important pillars of the economy. In 2019, it contributed to more than 50 % of the country's export revenue. However, due to the high level of mechanisation, it only offers few, but well-paid jobs. Only 2 % of employees in Namibia currently work in this sector.
One reason for this is that only a few and almost exclusively simple products with low added value are produced in the country. There is a lack of processing industry and the necessary investment.
However, current developments in the field of green hydrogen and so-called critical raw materials are bringing a lot of dynamism to the country, and companies are interested in increased cooperation in this area.
BGR cooperates with the Geological Survey of Namibia (GSN) for more than 25 years.German development cooperation is the only donor in this sector, which is so important for Namibia.
In the current project “Sustainable Utilization of Namibia's Mineral Resource Potential III”, BGR is supporting the Economic Geology Department of the GSN in increasing the value of existing raw material and mining potential.
Large feldspar crystals in a pegmatite in Central Namibia
Source: BGR
The availability of digital data on the potential of raw materials and local value creation are important entry requirements for international and national investors in the Namibian market.
Possible value creation potentials, including ecological and social aspects, are also analysed and evaluated.
The work is being accompanied by training and continuing education measures. One focus is on practical qualification measures (e.g. on-the-job training) in various economic geology topics as well as digital data provision and management (incl. GIS).
Project contributions:
Literature:
Factsheet: Sustainable Use of the Mineral Potential - Namibia
Partner:
Ministry of Mining and Energy (MME), Geological Survey of Namibia