ministry of mines and energy annual report 2007/8 · 2008-10-21 · ministry of mines and energy...
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MINISTRY OF MINES AND ENERGY
ANNUAL REPORT 2007/8 PERIOD OF REVIEW 1 APRIL 2007 - 31 MARCH 2008
Contents
Minister’s Foreword pg. 2
Deputy Minister’s Foreword pg. 4
Structure of the Ministry of Mines & Energy pg. 5
Office of the Permanent Secretary pg. 6
Directorate of Geological Survey pg. 9
Directorate of Mines pg. 19
Directorate of Diamond Affairs pg. 23
Directorate of Energy pg. 25
Directorate of Administration and Finance pg. 29
Acronyms and Abbreviations pg. 32
Editors: J.S. Iita, K. Hamutenya
© Government of the Republic of Namibia
During the financial year 2007/2008, the Ministry of Mines and Energy
(MME) engaged in activities that have a significant and far-reaching
impact on the overall performance of the national economy and the
wellbeing of the Namibian people. These activities were undertaken in
line with Government policy to promote economic growth and uplift
our people, socio-economically. These activities involve minerals ex-
ploration and mining, diamond production and beneficiation, measures
to mitigate the possible effect that the electricity shortage has on the
national economy as well as running the high-resolution airborne
geophysical survey programme.
During this period, mining has been one of the busiest and most pro-
ductive components, particularly in terms of minerals exploration.
Exploration expenditure has surpassed annual statistics (in excess o f
half a billion Namibian Dollars) recorded since independence in 1990.
Our country has attracted exploration and mining companies from all
over the world, making it currently one of the most favourable desti-
nations, not only in Africa, but also around the world. We will hon-
our our commitments to the international community in terms of
satisfying accords related to mining and minerals.
I am proud to say that Namibia has been rated the second least risky
country in the world, according to the 2007 Resource Stocks World
Risk Survey. This can be attributed to the security of tenure, and
transparent and competitive mining legislation that we have instituted.
In addition, Namibia became the third country in sub-Saharan Africa
to be given an investment-grade rating, as the country is politically
stable with well-managed mineral resources.
During the year under review, diamond production increased by 31
per cent and the country launched its diamond beneficiation pro-
gramme with the first sale and the official opening of Namibia Dia-
mond Trading Company (NDTC) in October 2007. Uranium produc-
tion also increased by 29 per cent following the opening of a new
uranium mine by Langer Heinrich and the expansion programme of
the Rössing Uranium Mine, which will extend the life expectancy of
the mine to 2016.
In reaction to the current energy shortage across the southern Africa,
Namibia has embarked upon various projects to manage and meet the
domestic demand for electricity. The short-term projects undertaken
to help mitigate the crisis are the Demand Side Management (DSM)
and the Supply Side Management (SSM) projects, such as the Hwange
Power Station project.
As a DSM alternative, NamPower distributed about 600,000 energy-
saving bulbs countrywide towards the end of last year. This is ex-
pected to reduce the maximum demand for electricity by about 20
MW. NamPower has al so introduced the ‘Time of Use Tariff’ for
customers who use a substantial amount of electricity, such as the
mines, in an attempt to promote the efficient use of electricity. Other
DSM initiatives, such as the replacements of electric geysers with
solar water heaters in all Government institutions and the use of
Ripple Control Systems to automatically regulate the switching off/on
of electric geysers by the municipalities and town councils, are in the
pipeline for implementation and extension respectively.
Since 01 January 2008 and as a part of its SSM, Namibia started re-
ceiving the first 40 MW from the Hwange Power Station in Zim-
babwe, following an agreement between NamPower and the Zimbab-
wean power utility. Namibia will receive 150 MW from Hwange as
from September 2008 for five years.
Namibia is also working very hard to increase its internal power gen-
eration to meet the rapidly growing local requirements for electricity.
The Baynes Hydro Power project looks very promising for implemen-
tation and the Namibian and Angolan governments are expected to
Minister’s Foreword
Honourable Erkki Nghimtina, MP, Minist er
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 2
sign an agreement with a consultant in 2008 for pre-feasibility studies
to begin. Due to its nature and size, the Baynes project is expected to
be completed within the next five years and can be considered a me-
dium- to long-term project.
In 1991 Namibia opened its first petroleum-licensing round. Since
then nine exploration companies have been awarded licences and one
petroleum field has been declared over the Kudu gas field. A total of
almost 34,000 kilometres of speculative 2D sei smic and 33,500 kilo-
metres of company 2D seismic have been acquired. In addition, 1,700
square kilometres of 3D seismic have been acquired and 10 wells
have been drilled, giving a total of 15 offshore wells, including the
eight wells drilled on Kudu gas field.
Confirmed reserves in the Kudu gas field have compelled the licence
holders to commission a feasibility study for a gas-fired power station
onshore Namibia and to pursue discussions on large-scale gas exports
to South Africa. If negotiations go according to plan, initial gas pro-
duction for the power station could commence in 2009, with the first
gas exports expected by about 2011.
Other geological highlights in this regard include:
• At least two levels of extensive oil-prone source rocks
were confirmed through drilling.
• Various structural and stratigraphic traps are present at
different levels.
• The Namibe Basin has many structures and there is evi-
dence to suggest that salt may have been present in certain
places.
• Various types of sandstones occur at several levels in the
succession. These include extensive deep-water sandstones
that appear to be very similar to those that at present gen-
erate so much interest in West Africa. The recognition of
these latter sandstones on the seismic data and their pres-
ence in a mound structure in the well in quadrant 2012
encouraged us to undertake the 1998 deep-water seismic
survey.
• A well in quadrant 1911 intersected a carbonate reservoir
that once contained oil. Several wells off the west coast o f
South Africa have discovered small quantities of oil.
• Various oil slicks, which are upgraded to possible seepage,
have been observed offshore Namibia.
Furthermore, I am glad to report that the high-resolution airborne
geophysical survey programme at the Directorate of Geological Sur-
vey, which aims to attain virtually complete national coverage by
2010, continued throughout the year. Final data processing of the
Kuiseb and Karakuwisa areas and flying of the Ai-Ais, Ondangwa and
Bethanien areas were completed during the year.
The achievements made during the period under review were due to
the commitment and sense of responsibility demonstrated by inves-
tors and the staff of the MME, to whom I am most grateful.
Honorable Erkki Nghimtina, MP Minister Republic of Namibia
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 3
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 4
The Ministry of Mines and Energy, as the custodian of Namibia’s rich endowment of mineral, geological and energy resources, facili-tates and regulates the responsible development and sustainable utilization of these resources for the benefit of all Namibians. To achieve this, we set the following objectives and strive to honour them continuously. Our Objectives • To promote investment in the mineral and energy sectors. • To ensure the sustainable contribution of geological and energy resources to the socio-economic development of Namibia. • To create a conducive environment for the mineral and energy sectors. • To regulate and monitor the exploration and exploitation of mineral and energy resources.
• To minimize the impact of exploitation of mineral and energy resources on the environment. • To provide professional and customer focused services.
Honourable Henock S. Ya Kasit a, Deputy Minist er
Deputy Minister’s Foreword
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 5
The Structure of the Ministry of Mines and Energy
DEPUTY MINISTERDEPUTY MINISTERDEPUTY MINISTER
DIRECTORATE OF DIRECTORATE OF DIRECTORATE OF
MINESMINESMINES
DIRECTORATE OF DIRECTORATE OF DIRECTORATE OF
DIAMOND AFFAIRSDIAMOND AFFAIRSDIAMOND AFFAIRS
MINISTERMINISTERMINISTER
PERMANENT PERMANENT PERMANENT
SECRETARYSECRETARYSECRETARY
DIRECTORATE OF DIRECTORATE OF DIRECTORATE OF
ADMINISTRATION & FINANCEADMINISTRATION & FINANCEADMINISTRATION & FINANCE
DIRECTORATE OF DIRECTORATE OF DIRECTORATE OF
GEOLOGICAL SURVEYGEOLOGICAL SURVEYGEOLOGICAL SURVEY
DIRECTORATE OF DIRECTORATE OF DIRECTORATE OF
ENERGYENERGYENERGY
The Office of the Permanent Secretary provides the overall vision and lead-
ership of the five directorates to carry out the objectives entrusted upon
them by the Vision and Mission Statements of the Ministry.
The objectives of the Office of the Permanent Secretary in
2007/2008 were as follows:
• Improved service culture and customer focus
• Improved knowledge of stakeholders and their need. Improved
stakeholders relations, collaboration synergy
• Improved promotion of Namibia and it’s Resources with incen-
tives for investors and exploration and processing
• Encourage local small and medium enterprises (SME’s)
• Improved Mining and Energy Outputs
• Increased Sales/Exports, especially – Value Added Minerals
Improved service culture and customer focus
Customer charters are displayed at various places within the MME,
such as the library, reception and some offices. The charters reflect
our commitment to deliver a high standard of service at all times.
They are also there to explain to our clients and customers how to
file complaints if they are not satisfied with our service.
Some of the important initiatives undertaken during the year under
review were the production of the MME’s corporate video and the
regular updating of our website. For the past seven years, the MME’s
annual report has been published on time.
Improved knowledge of stakeholders and their need. Im-
proved stakeholders relations, collaboration synergy
A number of Electricity Supply Industry Restructuring (ESI) meetings
took place during which important issues on restructuring the indus-
try were discussed.
Various committees, such as those seeing to Rural Electrification and
the National Energy Fund, held regular business meetings. A number
of Technical Advisory Committee meetings of the oil companies were
chaired, as were negotiations over oil and gas licence applications.
Consultations were held with local commercial banks on the possibil-
ity of financing public projects.
Oranjemund was visited as part of the Project SIDA Eigus familiarisa-
tion tour. This formed the basis of a Cabinet submission, which culmi-
nated in the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee on Oran-
jemund.
Mines such as Otjihase and Matchless were visited and fruitful ex-
changes made.
Consultations were also held with Namdeb-Debmarine and the oil
industry. A further highlight of the year under review was participat-
ing in the formulation of the third National Development Plan
(NDP3), while the MME also made a presentation on energy security
to the Joint Intelligence Committee.
The International Lead Zinc Study Group afforded us an opportunity
to inform the world, at a conference in Lisbon in October 2007, of
the mining regime in Namibia. Prior to that, a successful Base Metal
Mining Conference was hosted by the MME.
New ideas about Namibia’s uranium and nuclear energy policy and
legislation have emerged and we are now at an advanced stage in this
regard.
Office of the Permanent Secretary
Mr Joseph S. Iit a, Permanent Secret ary
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 6
Liaison work continued with the parastatals NamPower and Namcor.
Consultation is also underway with Electricity Control Board (ECB),
as the regulating body, to oversee the merger of the Northern Re-
gional Electricity Distribution Company (Nored) with Oshakati Pre-
mier Electricity (OPE).
Good progress was made in our co-operation with Angola on the
development of Baynes Hydropower Scheme. Both governments have
given the green light to the Permanent Joint Technical Commission on
the Kunene River to engage consultants for the pre-feasibility study.
Due to a very busy schedule during the review period, the Office of
Permanent Secretary was unable to visit rural electrification projects,
but these visits are top of the agenda for 2008/2009.
Improved promotion of Namibia and it’s resources with
incentives for investors and exploration and processing
The improved promotion of Namibia and its resources was achieved
through participation at international conferences and trade shows.
Of particular note was the MME’s attendance at the Namibia Interna-
tional Investors’ Conference, which was held in Windhoek in 2007,
and the Mining Indaba in Cape Town in 2008.
Encourage local small and medium enterprises (SME’s)
Small-scale mining constitutes an important means of generating in-
come. In rural areas, where jobs are scarce, the socio-economic im-
pact of small-scale mining is significant. Where this sector is well es-
tablished and organised, it has great potential for income generation,
which in turn improves living conditions and sustainable development
in general. The Namibian Government promotes the development of
small-scale mining in order to create employment opportunities in
rural areas and to diversify the minerals sector.
More than 80 per cent of an estimated 2 000 small-scale miners in
Namibia exploit gemstones and crystal specimens. The extraction of
high value metals is limited to few individuals involved in producing
tantalite and tin concentrates. Products of the small-scale miners are
usually marketed in an unprocessed way, providing an opportunity to
add value locally.
The Small-Scale Miners’ Stakeholders Forum has committed itself to
capacity building in the small-scale mining sector in Namibia, in order
to boost the chances of small-scale miners participating in the eco-
nomic mainstream of the country. The forum has been organised by
the Erongo Regional Council and the Rössing Foundation with the full
support of the MME.
In order to concentrate on providing assistance to small-scale miners
on a consistent and continuous basis, we have asked the Public Ser-
vice Commission to create a division on small-scale mining at the
MME. We have also received approval from the National Planning
Commission Secretariat to fund small-scale miners.
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 7
Increased Sales/Exports, especially – Value Added Minerals
Base Metals Mass Value (million N$)
Copper blister 20416 357,501
Copper concentrate 2,520 395,409
Lead concentrate - 16, 896 117,314
Zinc Concentrate- 97,323 639,262
Zinc refined 152,405 3,692,590
Precious Metals
Gold Bullion 2,520 395,409
Gold Blister 597 104,369
Silver Blister 6,835 29,260
The figures for base and precious metals have been rounded just add N$000
Precious Stones Value (million N$)
Diamonds 2,237,679 carats 5,275,019
Nuclear Fuel Minerals Value (million N$)
Uranium (metal contained)
4, 216 t 3,625,476
Dimension Stones
Granite 38,106 60,958
Marble 16,759 14,444
Industrial Minerals Value (million N$)
Common / Coarse Salt:
Exports 54,002 14,682
Local 751,341 35,613
Rock Salt 3,879 825
Fluorspar 112,726 126,853
Value (million N$)
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 8
Production
Base Metals
Copper blister 20,632 t
Copper concentrate 25,384 t
Lead concentrate 21,759 t
Manganese 47,620 t
Zinc Concentrate 94,774 t
Zinc Refined 150,080 t
Precious Metals
Gold Bullion 2,496 kg
Gold Blister 672 kg
Silver Blister 7,902 kg
Precious Stones
Diamonds 2,348,909 Carats
Dimension Stones
Granite 65,671 t
Marble 16,759 t
Industrial Minerals
Common/Coarse Salt 795,846 t
Rock Salt 9,528 t
Fluorspar 118,766 t
Nuclear Fuel Minerals
Uranium 3,782 t
Improved Mining and Energy Outputs
The Geological Survey of Namibia is the national institution for earth
sciences and geological resources. It’s mission is to enhance knowledge and
awareness of Namibia’s geological resources. Through scientific research
the Geological Survey of Namibia facilitates the search for mineral re-
sources, geological engineering, land-use planning and sustainable develop-
ment with due regard to the environment.
The Geological Survey of Namibia’s main objectives are:
1. Provide geoscientific information through research to promote
sustainable development and investment in Namibia
2. Guide land-use decisions to ensure the availability and sustain-
ability of resources for the current and future welfare of our
society
3. Stimulate investment in Namibia’s mining sector in order to
contribute to the development of Namibia’s economy
4. Create awareness of the earth sciences in order to enhance the
understanding of the geo-environment and its interaction with
the life-supporting system of the Namibian people.
The following achievements were made under the
objectives mentioned:
1. Provide geoscientific information through research to
promote sustainable development and investment in
Namibia
• Field inspection of mapping was undertaken on map sheets
Swartbooisdrift 1712, Opuwa 1812, Kamanjab 1814 (all Kunene
region) and Tsumeb 1916 (southern Oshikoto and northern
Otjozondjupa regions) for revision and updating of provisional
map compilations, planning of future revision mapping and new
detailed 1:50,000 scale mapping. New 1:50,000 scale geological
field mapping was carried out in area 1814 CD of the Kamanjab
1814 map sheet (southern Kunene region) and work was
started in area 2116 AA of the Okahandja 2116 map sheet
(eastern Erongo region). Provisional compilations of 1:250,000
scale map sheets Kamanjab1914 and Tsumeb 1916 were com-
pleted, and colour plots as well as digital data have been re-
leased on Open File. Results from new field mapping of areas
2116C and 2117D have been incorporated into provisional map
sheet Okahandja 2116.
• Work was started on the compilation of a 1:500,000 scale the-
matic map covering the area of northern Namibia underlain by
Directorate Geological Survey of Namibia
Dr Gabi Schneider, Director of Geological Survey
1: 250, 000 Scale Sheet Index Map
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 9
the Neoproterozoic sedimentary succession of the Otavi
Group, which hosts important base metal deposits of the Otavi
Mountain area (southern Oshikoto and northern Otjozondjupa
regions) and related deposits of the eastern and northern Kun-
ene and western Omusati regions.
• Stable isotope studies and U-Pb radiometric age dating were
carried out as part of an ongoing research programme in co-
operation with foreign university research institutions to assist
with stratigraphic correlation in regional geological mapping and
geophysical interpretation. Optical stimulated luminescence
(OSL) age dating of soil sediment from fluvio-marine terraces
between Wlotzkasbaken and Mile 108 and along the Skeleton
Coast Park was also carried out to assist with stratigraphic
correlation along the coastal zone.
• A synthesis of airborne LIDAR laser data (high-resolution to-
pographic and accuracy elevation images), sedimentology, OSL
dates, palaeontology and petrography are used in the improve-
ment of the Cenozoic stratigraphic framework of fluvio-marine
terraces along the Skeleton Coast Park. Through interpretation
of the terraces’ lithofacies exposed in the research area, various
depositional facies are recognised on the basis of distinct
lithologies, and assemblages of sedimentary structures. Heavy-
mineral contents on the modern beach and the terrace bound-
ing it in the 63-125µm and125-250µm fractions proportionally
average 70 per cent but can reach 96 per cent in some of the
beach concentrates generally associated with the intertidal
zone. The principal minerals of economic interest found in the
heavy mineral sands are ilmenite, titanite, rutile, zircon, and
garnet. Based on the faunal assemblages, the research area can
be divided into three zones of cool-water, cool-water/warm-
water and warm-water assemblages. Marine sediment with
mixed cool-water/warm-water assemblages occurs throughout
the area and is associated mostly with palaeo-lagoons / modern
coastal pans at an elevation between one to four metres above
mean sea level (MSL). The cool-water assemblage also occurs
throughout to a maximum elevation of 12m above MSL. How-
ever, the warm-water assemblages were mainly observed south
of the Huab River at an elevation ranging from 12 to 35m MSL.
The photograph shows an exposed marine terrace. Cobble
boulder gravel at the base is fining upward into size and shape
sorted cobble-, pebble-gravel and then to sand unit that is over-
lain by another cobble boulder gravel unit. This is interpreted as
a shorefacies deposited in a high-energy environment, repre-
senting a storm and post-storm deposit.
An exposed mar ine t er race
Geomorphology Profile
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 10
Topographic Elevat ion Map
• The high-resolution airborne geophysical survey programme,
which aims to attain virtually complete national coverage by
2010, continued throughout the year. Final data processing of
the Kuiseb and Karakuwisa areas, and flying of the Ai-Ais, On-
dangwa and Bethanien areas was completed during the year.
Further tenders were awarded for the Fransfontein and Ai-Ais
areas. Once these surveys are complete, survey data will repre-
sent over 85 per cent national coverage. The demand for air-
borne magnetic and radiometric data continues to be high and
during the year sales to the value of N$615,370.00 were made.
• Data for the airborne hyperspectral survey of the Otavi Moun-
tainland was delivered. Further hyperspectral surveys over the
Trekkopje Uranium Prospect and six selected mineral case
studies were completed. This data will complement the high-
resolution airborne geophysical data coverage of highly pro-
spective areas and provide important baseline data for environ-
mental monitoring. Rock samples from the Rössing/
Swakopmund uranium province were collected for Portable
Infrared Mineral Analyser (PIMA) and X-Ray Diffractometer
(XRD) analysis for comparison with Hymap (Hyvista) data. This
will form part of a staff member’s MSc project.
• A qualitative interpretation of the airborne magnetic and radio-
metric data has been completed. Further work, including two-
dimensional modelling, field measurement of susceptibilities
over significant anomalies and ground verification of interpreted
anomalies, was also undertaken in the Kamajab and Karakuwisa
areas.
• The Geophysics Division also continued to manage the Tsumeb
Seismic Station and operate scientific equipment at this station
on behalf of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organisation
(CTBTO). Seismic equipment was installed at the seismological
vaults at Rundu, Kamanjab, Ai-Ais and Ariamsvlei. A site recon-
naissance and noise survey for an additional station in the vicin-
ity of Opuwo was conducted and a site chosen within the
Opuwo State Hospital grounds. Nine earthquakes were de-
tected by the Namibian Seismological Network during the year.
• Visits to active mines in western Namibia were undertaken to
familiarise staff members with the operations and latest devel-
opments at the mines. The following mine operations were
visited: Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine; Rössing Uranium Mine;
Swakop Salt Company and Walvis Bay Salt Refineries. A joint
field visit was undertaken with the Directorate of Mines to
investigate the progress done on various uranium projects in
Erongo region. The projects visited were: Goanikontes Project
(Bannerman Resources Namibia (Pty) Ltd); Tubas Deposit
(Reptile Uranium (Pty) Ltd); Husab/Ida Dome Project (Extract
Resources (Pty) Ltd); Namib Lead Mine (Craton Diamond (Pty)
Ltd); Valencia Uranium Project (Westport Resources (Pty) Ltd);
Namibia-China Mineral Resource Investment and Development
CC; Marenica Uranium Project (West Australian Metals Ltd);
Omandumba Uranium Deposit (Erongo Energy (Pty) Ltd) and
EPL 3477 Uranium Deposit (Erongo Energy (Pty) Ltd). During
this trip, environmental problems caused by previous explora-
tion activities in the 1970s were detected. Another joint field
trip with the Directorate of Mines took place to exploration
and mining activities in the Karas Region. The areas visited dur-
ing this trip were: Asab Coal Project (Japonika Investments (Pty)
Ltd); Rosh Pinah Mine; Orange River Block 4 (Kalahari Karas
Gem & Fourth Mining Co. (Pty) Ltd); Skorpion Mine; Haib Cop-
per Deposit (Deep South Mining Co. (Pty) Ltd); Tantalite Valley
Mine (Tameka Shelf Co. (Pty) Ltd); and Ysterputs Mine (George
Swanson Enterprises (Pty) Ltd).
• Since 2000, the Geological Survey, through the Geochemistry
and Laboratory Division, has been conducting a regional geo-
chemical mapping programme, targeting to cover most of the
country by stream sediment and soil sampling. During its first
phase, this programme is focused on sampling and analysing the
stream and soil sediments. In the subsequent phases, the analyti-
cal data will be used to produce geochemical maps, the regional
geochemical data will be entered into the Earth Data Namibia
database and this will form part of a Global Geochemical Data-
base for Environmental and Resource Management. The current
sampling density is 8 to 10 km and samples are taken either as
stream (within river beds) or as soil (flat areas with no clear
run-off) samples. At each sampling site, two fractions (smaller
than 2mm and smaller than 0.18mm) of the material are col-
lected and both fractions are analysed. These two fractions
cover the whole range of softer and harder minerals. In total,
3,189 samples were collected and treated in 2006. Laboratory
work on these samples, together with those collected in the
previous year, comprised sieving and riffling (2,800 samples),
milling (ball mill; 3,952 samples) and pressing pellets for X-Ray
Fluorescence (XRF) analysis (2,322 samples). The geochemical
maps compiled from the analytical results will be made available
to the public. Data from previous geochemical surveys and
completed industrial exploration projects (i.e. archival data) are
included in the Earth Data Namibia database and can be re-
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 11
trieved by the stakeholders. The compilation of the archival
data is an on-going process based on the availability of historic
data.
2. Guide land-use decisions to ensure the availability and
sustainability of resources for the current and future
welfare of our society
• Environmental monitoring campaigns were conducted at
Okorusu Fluorspar Mine, Samicor’s offshore activities, Skorpion
Zinc Mine, the salt mining companies in Walvis Bay, Swakop-
mund and Cape Cross. In addition, the hazardous risks of the
abandoned mines Berg Aukas and Oamites were investigated in
detail. Skorpion Zinc Mine was visited for an environmental
inspection. The analysis of tailings material showed high
amounts of zinc and elevated amounts of copper, nickel, cad-
mium, chromium, lead and uranium. Surface soil samples at
downwind direction are elevated in zinc compared to surface
soil upwind of the mining area. This reflects windblown dust
dispersed from the mining area. The groundwater samples
taken from monitoring boreholes contain high concentrations
of zinc and boron. The high zinc values in groundwater trace
mainly back to the natural zinc mineralisation in the area.
• Berg Aukas served as a mining town until 1979. Roasting of ores
of lead, vanadium and zinc produced an unknown hazardous risk
in the surrounding area. About 260 soil samples were collected
and analysed for heavy metals. The severely contaminated area
at Berg Aukas, as a zone of high hazardous risk, represents an
ellipsoid with diameters of approximately 3.5 km (E-W) and 2.5
km (N-S). The abandoned processing area is now part of the
town centre and the National Youth Training Centre (NYTC).
The National Youth Service experimental farm grows crops to
the south and east of the town. Some crops, like sweet pota-
toes, cabbage and Irish potatoes, accumulate heavy elements
that are detrimental to health. The people living and working in
Berg Aukas face health risks from inhalation and ingestion of the
dust as well as by eating crops grown on the contaminated soils.
Prolonged exposure to heavy metals in concentrations as found
in the soils in Berg Aukas can cause diabetes, neurological ef-
fects as well as skin, kidney or lung cancer. Thus, the central
part of Berg Aukas should be avoided for any further industrial,
residential, or agricultural developments. The study recom-
mends a wide variety of measures to stop additional contamina-
tion and to limit further exposure of the people at the training
centre to toxic metals by remediation and proper land use plan-
ning. The recommendations have since been implemented by
the NYTC.
• The Geological Survey was instructed by Cabinet to investigate
possible effects on human health of the abandoned Oamites
Mine site. An unusually high rate of health problems was re-
ported among the approximately 2,000 Namibian Defence
Force (NDF) troops at the Oamites Mine site. More than five
million tons of fine-grained tailings material was dumped in the
Oamites valley, which is permanently blown by wind through
the base camp. The investigations of the tailings material
showed no harmful concentrations of toxic metals like copper,
cadmium, lead or uranium. Likewise, the groundwater, which is
used for human consumption, is of good quality. The study con-
cludes that the extreme angularity of the tailings particles
(quartz grains) causes physical irritations and swelling of the
mucous tissue of the upper and middle respiratory system fol-
lowed by infections. Remediation strategies include covering the
Lead concent rat ion in t he soil at Berg Aukas
Dust cont amination at Oamit es
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 12
tailings material with a thick layer of waste rock or an eventual
profitable reprocessing of the tailings. The economic and techni-
cal viability still need to be considered. Therefore, the division
has started mineralogical studies and leaching tests on the
Oamites tailings material. If there are no permanent solutions,
the NDF is prepared to close the base.
• The regular environmental inspection at Okorusu Fluorspar
Mine focused on the possibility of groundwater contamination
due to seepage from tailings dams and air pollution due to dust
emission. Six water samples were taken from tailings dumps,
monitoring boreholes and boreholes on the surrounding farms
for baseline data. The water analysis points to a generally poor
quality of the groundwater in the whole region. High fluorine
concentration in the groundwater, most probably, traces back
to the widespread, naturally occurring fluorite mineralisations in
the Okorusu area.
• Samicor’s diamond mining and exploration vessels were in-
spected in February 2008. The comprehensive environmental
report is in preparation.
• The municipalities of Rehoboth, Tsumeb and Okahandja as well
as Outapi, Oshakati, Ondangwa and Eenhana were supported in
urban and land use planning. The division conducted a sampling
of spring water in the Rehoboth area. Residents are concerned
about the seepage of spring water onto the surface, its impact
on the community and it susceptibility to contamination. The
spring water is not suitable for human consumption as it con-
tains high concentrations of sulphate and fluorine. Hazardous
elements like mercury, cadmium or arsenic, which are typical
on hot springs, occur in the water in very low, mostly undetect-
able concentrations. In addition, three rock samples, formed by
precipitation of silica and calcium carbonate from spring water,
were collected. The soils and rocks in the surroundings of the
hot springs do not pose any risk for humans or livestock. Thus,
the hot spring area might be used for recreational purposes and
developed as a park.
• Investigations continued of soil contamination in Tsumeb as a
result of more than 100 years of smelter activities and mining.
Recommendations for further town planning were forwarded to
the Tsumeb Municipality based on the analysis of 450 soil sam-
ples for contaminants of concern (arsenic, lead, cadmium, cop-
per, zinc). Urban Green CC is conducting a Socio-Economic
Impact Assessment for areas that were proposed for future
town extension by the Geological Survey. Urban Green CC has
also been contracted to conduct the Environmental Impact
Assessment for the new waste disposal site to the west of
Tsumeb, which was investigated by the Geological Survey and
considered as an acceptable option. The studies on the environ-
mental situation at Tsumeb were completed by medical tests of
Tsumeb residents and a study on the quality of agricultural
products. Vegetative material collected in areas with elevated
soil contamination in the surroundings of the Tsumeb smelter
complex is critically contaminated with lead. The land use in the
industrial zone adjacent to the smelter complex should be lim-
ited to industrial activities. Families with children living in the
zone and the adjacent TransNamib hostel should be resettled
to safer places. An action plan was elaborated by Namibia Cus-
toms Smelter to respond to the situation.
• The Okahandja Municipality was supported in the environ-
mental assessment of a major development project. In general,
the analyses confirm that surface soils in the project area are
not contaminated by trace metals, and thus, the area is suitable
for residential developments. The Okahandja Municipality has
been cautioned not to develop on the lower river terraces of
the Okahandja River due to the possibility of ground failure and
floods.
• The northern towns of Outapi, Oshakati, Ondangwa and Een-
hana were visited to familiarise with geo-related problems of
urban planning. The risk assessment of existing waste disposal
sites, especially concerning groundwater pollution, the delinea-
tion of future waste disposal sites as well as the assessment of
flooding risks are the focal points of support.
• The Geological Survey / Federal Institute for Geosciences and
Natural Resources (BGR) Project is the driver of the Geology
and Environment Committee of the Namibian Small-Scale Min-
ers’ Stakeholder Forum. In the current reporting period, three
activities were conducted: the promotion of calcrete as a low-
cost housing material including the completion of the study
‘Calcrete: A cost-efficient natural building material for housing
construction in Namibia’ as well as a show-case house in Katu-
tura; a training course for small-scale miners in minerals evalua-
tion and value-addition; and the construction of kiosks at the
Spitzkoppe junction.
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 13
• Calcrete can be used in both the low-cost housing sector in
rural areas and in the commercial housing industry. Geochemi-
cal as well as physical-mechanical testing has proven the favour-
able properties of tuffaceous calcrete from various Namibian
deposits as masonry units. In comparison with conventional
building stones, calcrete has a cost advantage of 30 to 60 per
cent. In addition, small-scale mining for calcrete creates job
opportunities in rural areas in many parts of Namibia.
• The second training course, ‘Evaluation, adding value, cutting
and polishing of semi-precious stones’, provided a holistic ap-
proach to the identification, evaluation and adding value to the
stones mined by small-scale miners in Namibia. Participating
small-scale miners were trained in various methods of adding
value to the stones. The participants cut and polished stones
and produced marketable jewellery, such as necklaces and ear-
rings, of impressive quality. The products prove that there are
great opportunities to adding value to semi-precious stones in
Namibia for small-scale mining communities. The training
course was a success and will be followed up by at least two
additional courses in 2008.
• The Erongo Small-Scale Mining Stakeholders Forum defined
better market access and marketing as keys to improving their
social situation. The forum agreed on the construction of a
central marketplace for Erongo and Spitzkoppe miners at the
junction of two major tourist routes known as the ‘T-junction
minerals and gemstone vendors’ or ‘Uiba-oas Co-operative’.
The marketplace should secure better income for the group,
and thus, improve their living conditions. Besides a significant
financial commitment, the Geological Survey / BGR Project
advised the community on the suitability of various natural
building materials and the availability of rock types in the closer
vicinity of the construction site. The groundbreaking ceremony
with His Excellency Dr Sam Nujoma and many representatives
from the public and private sectors took place on 28 July 2007.
This was a milestone for one of the most important practical
projects aimed at improving the situation for small-scale miners
and serves as a strong motivation to this community.
• Capacity building in the division is supported by the project of
technical co-operation between the BGR and the Geological
Survey. Besides ongoing intensive training on-site, the project
partners decided to expand the bursary scheme of the project
substantially in order to meet the need for human resources in
the Geological Survey. Six MSc and nine BSc studies as well as
two BTech studies are supported in the reporting period. The
overall number of BGR-scholarships has increased to a total 20.
3. Stimulate investment in Namibia’s mining sector in
order to contribute to the development of Namibia’s
economy
• The Regional Geoscience Division provided stakeholders from
the exploration and mining sector, agriculture, research and
environment with information on issues of geological mapping,
as well as customised maps according to clients’ specifications.
• The Economic Geology Subdivision continued compiling reports
for the Mineral Information Series, planning the Earth Data Na-
Calcret e His Excellency Dr Sam Nujoma at the ground-breaking ceremony of a market for
Erongo and Spitzkoppe miners
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 14
mibia database structure and entering data into the database
(i.e. scanning of maps, grant reports and other documents). At
the same time it provided services to mineral investors, other
directorates and ministries, as well as members of the public.
The division also participated in investment promotion by at-
tending and mounting exhibitions at the Prospectors and Devel-
opers Association of Canada (PDAC) in Toronto, Canada, and
the Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa.
• The Economic Geology Mineral Resources Information Series
project is aimed at summarising archived exploration data in
brief but comprehensive reports, describing all exploration
results and details of mineral occurrences investigated, as well
as entering this information into the Earth Data Namibia data-
base. Work on these reports is ongoing, with two more re-
ports, Grünau 2718 and Steinhausen 2118, currently under
review. Other reports are in preparation: Windhoek 2216 and
Kuiseb 2314. Reports on Rehoboth 2316, Walvis Bay 2214 and
Fransfontein 2014 have been put on hold, pending the recruit-
ment of new staff.
• Entering the data into the Namibia Database continued. A total
of 1,190 documents, including maps and reports, were scanned
and entered during 2007. A total of 824 maps and reports were
checked for their correct entry into the database. Entry of min-
eral deposit data will continue as accurate mineral deposit posi-
tions become available from the ongoing compilation of infor-
mation series. All licence and claim shape files are obtained
every first week of the month from the Mining Commissioner’s
office in digital format. These shape files are re-projected to
WGS84 and entered into the Namibia Database. A total of 386
licences were added to the database during the year under re-
view, and the status of 369 licences were updated, while infor-
mation documenting 1,323 missing licence holders was entered
into the database. All mineral occurrences included in eight
1:250,000 current sheet areas are in the process of being en-
tered into the database and will include the updating of the
Mineral Map of Namibia.
• The National Core Archive currently holds the cores of 1,052
diamond drill boreholes. Cataloguing of the underground water
chip samples is underway in the core shed. These samples will
be entered into the core shed spreadsheet. The construction of
new core shed at the Tsumeb Geophysical Station was com-
pleted in June 2007. The building must now be equipped with
shelves, a reach truck and pallets. The Tender Board approved
the pallet tender. The two remaining tenders for the shelves
and the forklift await the approval of the Tender Board.
• A number of conferences were attended to promote Namibia’s
mineral wealth, such as the Southern African Institute of Mining
and Metallurgy’s base metals conference in Swakopmund. This
was the fourth base metals conference in southern Africa after
prior meetings in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Zambia. A four-
day seminar on mining investment policy for base metals in
southern Africa was attended in Windhoek. The seminar was
jointly organised by the International Lead and Zinc Study
Group (ILZSG), the MME and the Common Fund for Com-
modities (CFC), in association with the Chamber of Mines of
Namibia. The seminar consisted of presentations by participat-
ing countries as well as by organisations. One staff member also
attended a course on geological mapping and mineral informa-
tion management in Kosaka, Japan. The course was organised by
the Japanese International Co-operation Agency (JICA) for Afri-
can countries, and focused on analysing the current mining
trends on the world market, the lack of natural resources and
the ever-growing demand for raw materials. A member of staff
attended the Women in Mining Colloquium in Johannesburg,
South Africa. The event was organised by the Department of
Minerals and Energy (DME), MINTEK, the Centre for Sustain-
ability in Mining and Industry (CSMI), the Council for Scientific
and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the University of the Wit-
watersrand. The colloquium aimed to explore the progress
made and the problems experienced by women in formal and
Economic Geology Mineral I nf ormation Ser ies
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 15
artisan mining sectors. Over 160 people, mostly women, work-
ing in formal mining, artisan mining and community activism
attended the forum. Most of the participants came from the
host country, South Africa, while other countries represented
included Namibia and Zambia.
• The Economic Geology section of the MME’s website
(www.mme.gov.na) has been updated and now contains infor-
mation on all of Namibia’s mineral resources including dia-
monds, uranium, gold, base metals, rare metals, industrial min-
erals and dimension stones. This provides potential investors
with information on the country’s mineral potential.
• One of the major tasks of the Geochemistry Division is render-
ing analytical services and advice to the public, including small-
scale miners, farmers, university students, public institutions,
mining companies, gemstone dealers and tourists. The laborato-
ries of the Geological Survey of Namibia are equipped with
international-standard instruments for mineral identification
(XRD), determination of elemental composition (XRF, ICP),
rock preparation (cutting saws, polishing machines), sample
preparation (hydraulic press, Phoenix fusion fluxer and fur-
naces) and measuring physical properties (microscopes, devices
for mineral separation and many more). Besides the samples
from Geological Survey projects, 281 samples were analysed for
stakeholders. For mineral identification, an X-Ray Diffractome-
ter (Bruker AXS, D8 Advance) is used. The detection limit is
kept low by using silicon sample trays, a graphite monochroma-
tor and a powerful software (D8 ADVANCE) and spectral data-
base. A total of 43 samples were analysed. The Geological Sur-
vey of Namibia runs two major instruments for chemical analy-
sis: A wavelength dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer
(WD-XRF; Philips PW 2404) and an Inductively Coupled Plasma
Emission Spectrometer (ICP-AES; Varian Liberty 110). Semi-
quantitative analyses of rocks, sediments and soils are per-
formed using two portable energy-dispersive X-Ray Fluores-
cence Spectrometers (ED-XRF; Niton Xlt 700). A total of 72
samples were analysed by ED-XRF, and four samples by ICP-
AES.
• In addition to several diamond rock saws and manual polishing
tables, the division owns an automatic lapping and polishing
machine (Logitech LP50). These devices are used to produce
high-quality polished and covered thin sections for petrographic
analysis, as well as core cutting and polishing of rock slabs. For
microscopic analyses, two fully equipped polarising microscopes
(Olympus BX51; Leica Laborlux 12 Pol) are available. In 2006,
238 thin sections were prepared, 557 samples cut, and 36 sam-
ples polished.
Participants at the Colloquium on Women in Mining in Johannesburg, Sout h Af rica
Fusion Fluxer
Diamond Saw
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 16
4. Create awareness of the earth sciences in order to en-
hance the understanding of the geo-environment and
its interaction with the life-supporting system of the
Namibian people
• A series of informative posters was compiled for Namibia’s
national contribution to the International Year of Planet Earth
(IYPE) initiative and for career guidance exhibitions, at which
Geological Survey staff members participated in promoting the
geoscience profession to students from secondary schools and
tertiary institutions. The educational posters can be
downloaded from the Geological Survey’s website.
• The National Earth Science Museum has received over 418
visitors, excluding school pupils and university students. Tours
have been given to University of Namibia (UNAM) students,
pre-primary, primary and secondary school pupils from all over
the country, promoting the earth sciences to Namibians.
• A three-day career guidance exhibition at Akademia School was
attended and special educational posters were created on the
importance of geology in Namibia and everyday life. The focus
was to promote geology as a career to Grade 11 and 12 pupils.
• In the museum, the original paintings by artist Christine Marais
were obtained on loan from Namdeb and can be viewed by
visitors. A rock garden with unique rocks from all over Na-
mibia, featuring an old Tsumeb Mine cocopan and a meteorite
mounted on a sodalite cube, was created. A set of diamond cuts
was added to the Namdeb display and a new display was put up
featuring the fossils that were found at the Etosha National Park
by a French palaeontological team and UNAM PhD student
Martin Hipondoka.
• The French-Namibian palaeontological team has continued its
research in the Sperrgebiet and the Etosha National Park,
where new Miocene mammal and invertebrate fossils have been
discovered. Extensive collections of marine invertebrate fossils
in the Skeleton Coast Park, as well as plant fossils from the
Ongongo Springs were added to the collection.
• In order to foster institutional co-operation between the Na-
tional Earth Science Museum and international research institu-
tions, assistance has been rendered to the University of Iowa
with research on a Namibian fossil crocodilus specimen from
Arrisdrift on the Orange River and to the Transvaal Museum
with research on Namibian aardvark fossils from the Sperrge-
biet.
• A book launch was held in the museum on the 17 September
2007. The book, Namibia: Minerals and Localities, was published
by Bode Verlag and contains contributions from the Director of
the Geological Survey. The launch was well-attended by miner-
alogists and mineral collectors from around the country and the
world.
Rock Cycle Poster available at htt p:// www. mme.gov.na/ gsn
The French/ Namibia Paleont ological Team
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 17
The following constraints were encountered while execut-
ing the above duties:
The Geological Survey is experiencing the same constraints as in
previous years. Despite enormous efforts, the extremely low staffing
level of 50 per cent could not be improved. Of particular concern is
the continued lack of experienced geologists in middle management,
and the unabated loss of experienced people to industry, particularly
among those that received bursaries through the Geological Survey
and are now highly trained, and among the highly experienced staff
members.
With the increased levels of exploration in Namibia and numerous
new mines opening, low-paid Government geologists are taken up in
alarming numbers by industry, where they increase their salaries
three-fold. With a global shortage of geoscientists, we no longer
compete against the local industry only, but also against the interna-
tional job market. A decision by the Ministry of Finance not make
funds available to fill the new structure is still in place and hampers
development, while the division continues to experience extremely
low salary levels compared to industry.
A re-grading of geologists’ positions requested earlier in 2007 re-
mains unresolved by the Office of the Prime Minister. Likewise, the
extremely long periods required for the recruitment of staff – in
some cases more than one year – results in a loss of applicants who
take up employment elsewhere. As a result, we are unable to fill all
positions with Namibian geoscientists. The two-year contract of-
fered to foreign scientists poses another constraint, as this period is
too short for meaningful contributions to be made.
Future Outlook
The application of earth sciences in supporting wealth creation, qual-
ity of life and laying the foundations for a sustainable future is of
ever-increasing importance for civil society. The Geological Survey
plays a crucial role in achieving these goals, enshrined in the second
National Development Plan and Vision 2030, in both geo-scientific
research and its application. We will endeavour to meet this chal-
lenge and continue with our programmes. To be successful, how-
ever, will require a drastic change in the situation described in the
previous paragraph.
Hon. Erkki Nghimtina (centre) at t he Namibia: Minerals and Localities book launch
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 18
The Directorate of Mines endeavours to promote the optimal exploitation
of Namibia's mineral resources and integrate the mining industry with
other sectors of the economy for the socio-economic development of the
country.
The major objectives for the Directorate of Mines for the
year under review were to:
• Finalize revision of the legal framework and to make it competi-
tive and conducive to promote investment.
• Ensure that the mining industry continues to be integrated with
other sectors.
• Ensure that the mineral resources are exploited in a safe, re-
sponsible and sustainable manner.
• Ensure that a vibrant and sustainable Small Scale Mining Sector is
in place.
• Ensure that value for money and customer orientated services
are rendered in an efficient, timely and comprehensive manner.
The following achievements were reached under the objec-
tives above.
1. Finalize revision of the legal framework and to make it
competitive and conducive to promote investment.
• Revision of the Minerals Bill has reached an advanced stage and,
once completed, will be submitted to the legal drafters at the
Ministry of Justice for finalisation and preparation for submission
to Parliament. It is anticipated that this exercise will be com-
pleted during the financial year 2009/2010.
• The Government Gazette of December 2006 on royalties has
been implemented and monies are being collected, in favour of
the State Revenue Fund, on all other minerals other than dia-
monds and dimension stone on which royalty payments have
been in effect prior to the gazette.
• Areva NC, a French state-owned uranium giant, took over 100
per cent of Uramin Namibia shares and continues to explore
the viability of opening the third uranium mine in Namibia. An
application for a mining licence at Trekkopje and Klein Trek-
kopje by this company is under consideration. The company is
busy with trial mining on a 60,000 ton heap leach project and
commercial production is expected to commence in the third
quarter of 2009. The company has also committed to construct
a desalination plant to produce 25 million m3 of water per an-
num for the mine at Wlokatzbaken. Forseys Metal’s Valencia
project has advanced to a mining license application, also now
being considered.
Directorate of Mines
Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine
Mr. Erasmus Shivolo, Direct or of Mines
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 19
• Three projects earmarked for cement production (Ohorongo
Cement at Otavi, Cheetah Cement at Otjiwarongo and Karibib
Portland Cement at Karibib) are all at feasibility stage. All pro-
jects have been issued with mineral rights at least for the last
two years.
• A total of 456 non-exclusive prospecting licences were issued,
200 exclusive prospecting licences granted, 223 mining claims
registered and seven mining licences were awarded during the
period under review.
2. Progress made in the field of mining during the year
under review.
• Weatherly Mining Namibia has embarked upon a growth plan
and is in the process of rebuilding geological models in order to
re-evaluate mineralisation in the licence areas. The company has
undertaken a study to determine the cause of high water pres-
sure underground in the Kombat area that led to the mine being
flooded and eventually closed. This action forms part of the plan
to resume mining operations there. Weatherly further plans to
set up a sulphuric acid plant by 2010 for its metallurgical proc-
esses, while excess acid will be available for the local market.
• The production from the Matchless Copper Mine near Wind-
hoek is forecast to compensate for the recently closed Kombat
operations and, hence, some employees and equipment will be
relocated to the Matchless Copper Mine.
• Langer Heinrich Uranium operations achieved the stated produc-
tion target for the quarter ended December 2007. Significantly,
the mine is now expected to produce at its design capacity of 2.6
million pounds of uranium oxide (U3O8) for 2008. An expansion
plan exercise has been commissioned to increase production.
3. Ensure that the mining industry continues to be inte-
grated with other sectors.
• Roach Investments, a subsidiary of Stone Africa, which holds
several marble and granite mining licences, opened a cutting and
polishing company in Walvis Bay to process granite into slabs
and tiles for local and international markets.
• Skorpion Zinc Mine and Refinery produced a record 150,000
tons of special high-grade zinc during the period under review.
• Regular field inspections were undertaken for the collection and
verification of production, sales and exports. The data is used to
compile quarterly and annual reports about the performance of
the mining and minerals industry.
• The Directorate of Mines scrutinised documents and applications
to ensure that uranium ore and concentrates originating from
Namibia are subjected to national and international safeguards as
specified by the International Atomic Energy Agency and EURA-
TOM treaties. Material exported pursuant to Article 33(a) from
Namibia was therefore solely authorised for use for peaceful
purposes and not diverted to, for example the proliferation of
nuclear weapons or other such restricted purposes. Namibia
Ms. Helena Itamba, Deputy Direct or of Mines, and Mr. David Hutchins, Chief Geo-
physicist, Geological Survey, at Malvesi, Comurhex st orage f acilit y in France.
The drums in t he background contain U3O8 f rom t he Rössing Uranium Mine.
Messrs Linus Mulele, Chief Engineer, and Matheus Amunghete, Chief Inspector of Mines, both of
the MME, in discussions with mine workers
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 20
remains a safe, significant and long-term supplier of uranium
concentrate to the nuclear power industries in the world.
• The Mining Directorate rendered advice, particularly on local
and international developments, with regards to markets, ad-
vanced mining and mineral development technologies and ten-
dencies in the field of mineral commodities.
• Mineral statistical data has been collected, analysed, verified,
compiled and disseminated on a monthly, quarterly and annual
basis to the National Bureau of Statistics; Bank of Namibia; Inter-
national Lead, Zinc and Copper Study Group; the United States
Geological Survey (USGS); British Geological Survey (BGS);
World Bureau of Metal Statistic and International Atomic Energy
Agency amongst other institutions, for calculation of gross do-
mestic product (GDP), balance of payments, mining’s contribu-
tion to the economy and verification purposes.
• The Directorate of Mines participated in Namibia’s Bilateral Co-
operation discussions with other countries and provided input
on mining and mineral-related matters during the period under
review. Such interventions have contributed to the surge in for-
eign investment in the minerals sector.
4. Ensure that the mineral resources are exploited in a
safe, responsible and sustainable manner.
• The new Environmental Management Act of the Ministry of Envi-
ronment and Tourism will supplement the Minerals (Prospecting
and Mining) Act and its regulations to ensure that thorough envi-
ronmental assessment studies are concluded before projects are
undertaken.
• The Directorate will also continue to maintain its membership of
committees of the Chamber of Mines of Namibia to discuss and
address mine health, safety and environmental issues.
• Two fatal mine accidents were recorded, procedurally investi-
gated and the reports forwarded to the Office of the Prosecutor
General in March 2007. A total of 39 reportable injuries of not
too serious nature and one serious injury were also recorded
during the period under review. Other reportable non-casualties
were in the form of vehicle accidents and runaways as well as
mine floods.
• A serious fire accident was recorded at one of Namdeb’s
diamond recovery plants with no human casualty involved.
• A serious and complex mine flood was recorded at Kombat
Mine during the second half of 2007 that led to the mine closure.
A technical team comprising of Weatherly Mining, the MME, the
Mineworkers’ Union of Namibia, NamWater and NamPower has
been constituted to deliberate options of reopening the mine.
5. Ensure that a vibrant and sustainable Small Scale
Mining Sector (SSM) is in place.
• A proposal was submitted to the Public Service Commission to
upgrade the SSM sub-division to a fully fledged division. The pro-
posed structure will attend to the issues and plight of the small-
scale miners in a dedicated manner.
• Five projects suitable for small- and medium-scale miners were
initiated and the feasibility studies are to be completed in the
financial year 2009/2010.
• A grant of N$200,000 was secured from the Spanish Co-
operation for the tin- and tantalite-buying scheme from the small
miners at Uis. The Directorate of Mines together with the small
miners of Uis will manage the grant.
• Under the supervision of the Directorate, an agreement be-
tween Induberg Namibia Pty (Ltd) and Small Miners of Uis (SMU)
has been signed for the refurbishment and reinstallation of the
pilot plant at Uis. This will assist the development of SSM activi-
ties and training for Brandberg Co-operative members. To that
Mr. Samson Nghit eeka, I nspect or of Mines, assessing the saf ety of a trench in t he
Hart mann Mount ains, Kunene region
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 21
effect, mining licences belonging to SMU have been temporarily
transferred to Induberg Namibia Pty (Ltd). As a result SMU has
been offered a 15 per cent share in the company and an addi-
tional 2.5 per cent of sales produced from these licences will be
paid to the SMU Trust Fund.
• The Mineral Development Fund (MDF) has continued to provide
financial assistance to medium-scale miners who were able to
provide viable business plans.
6. Ensure that value for money and customer orientated
services are rendered in an efficient, timely and compre-
hensive manner.
• Several staff members attended training courses, symposiums,
seminars and short courses both locally and internationally to
improve their skills and knowledge, and thus deliver better ser-
vice to the public. The directorate also participated in career
fairs to encourage young Namibians to develop an interest in the
relevant minerals-related disciplines.
• The Minerals Development Fund awarded 15 bursaries to young
students to start their careers in minerals and mining-related
fields at the Zimbabwe School of Mines.
7. The following constraints were encountered while exe-
cuting the directorate’s objectives:
• Funds allocated to the Directorate of Mines were insufficient to
carry out all the field inspections as required and at times only
the most important and urgent trips could be carried out.
• No submission and/or delayed submission of monthly/annual
returns by some operating mines. This is a statutory compliance
that is difficult to enforce, particularly with the small miners.
Casual reporting and, sometimes, incorrect production and sales
figures are forwarded to the Directorate.
• Although claiming not to object to the payment of royalties,
some companies have disputed the implementation of the ga-
zette of December 2006 and have not yet paid royalties to date.
Reconciliation of figures as estimated for royalty contributions
with the actual amount collected is therefore not entirely accu-
rate.
• Improper/incomplete organisation of small-scale mining activities
across the country means that small-scale miners in some re-
gions are unable to benefit from technical or financial assistance
channelled through the MME.
• A reduction in the frequency of mine inspections has been ex-
perienced due to an increased number of operating mines. Dis-
agreements between mining operators and farm owners have
pre-occupied staff in an attempt to resolve disputes. This has
been exacerbated not only by budgetary restrictions, but also by
the inability of the Directorate to attract qualified engineers and
inspectors of mines, especially for marine mining operations, and
machinery due to the low remuneration packages as compared
to the private sector.
• Skills shortages and frequent resignations negatively impacted on
the overall performance of the Directorate of Mines.
• The Transformation of Economic and Social Empowerment
Framework (TESEF) is not yet complete, making it difficult to
compel or require foreign companies having or wishing to ac-
quire mineral rights to have broad-based empowerment partici-
pation.
• The process of awarding mineral licences as well as the admini-
stration of some legislation has experienced a number of legal
challenges that are time consuming to the technical staff of the
Directorate. It would be appropriate to recruit a dedicated legal
officer in the MME to handle legal matters as they arise.
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 22
The Directorate of Diamond Affairs is the national establishment charged
with the responsibility of monitoring and regulating the Diamond Industry,
in Namibia, in order to protect it from the threats of smuggling and other
illicit activities. Its other core duties include promoting the diversification
and integration of the diamond industry into the rest of the economy, in
order to maximize its contribution to the socio-economic development of
Namibia. The Directorate strives to maintain complete oversight over all
exploration, mining as well as diamond manufacturing activities in the
country, in order to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Diamond
Act of 1999 and its subsidiary regulations, as well as compliance with the
requirements of the Kimberley Process International Certification Scheme
for the import and export of rough diamonds. While its headquarters are
at the Ministry of Mines and Energy in Windhoek, the Directorate is also
extensively decentralized with logistical bases (offices and accommodation)
in Luderitz, Swakopmund and Oranjemund, in proximity to the bulk of
mining and prospecting operations.
The objectives for the directorate Diamond Affairs for the
year under review were as follows:
1. Ensure that Diamond licences are allocated in accordance with
the provisions of the Diamond Act (Act 13 of 1999).
2. Issue import and export permits on a timely basis. 3. Manage and use modern information systems to communicate,
share and process diamond information and data.
4. Issue Restricted Area (Section 27K) permits.
5. Ensure compliance with the Kimberley Process. 6. Ensure the effective and efficient control of the handling and
transportation of rough diamonds in Namibia.
7. Promote the growth, stability and viability of the Namibian down-stream diamond industry.
8. Ensure that the valuation and sale of Namibian diamonds meets internationally acceptable standards.
9. Uphold the good image of the Namibian diamond industry. 10. Provide valuable advise to the Permanent Secretary and Ministers.
Accordingly, the following Regulatory Strategies were im-
plemented to meet the above objectives;
1. Carried out our duties in line with the Diamond Act and its
Regulations.
2. Ensured the availability of Diamond Inspector(s) at the sealing
and opening centres upon request.
Directorate of Diamond Affairs
Mr. K. Hamutenya, Diamond Commissioner, Diamond Affairs
A local diamond cutt ing operation
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 23
3. Ensured presence of Diamond Inspector(s) during Diamond
Evaluation.
4. Conducted inspections at mine sites and mining vessels at least
once a month.
5. Conducted inspections at cutting factories on a regular basis.
The following achievements were accomplished during the
year:
• Ensured the effective and efficient control of handling and trans-
porting of rough diamonds in Namibia in line with the Act.
• Namibia has been elected as the Vice Chair (2008) of the Kim-
berley Process International Certification Scheme for the import
and export of rough diamonds and will chair the process in 2009.
• The Directorate’s database is up and running.
• 149 KPC’s were processed: 52 were issued for exports and 97
for imports.
• A new agreement has been reached between De Beers and the
Namibian Government, which makes provisions for the supply of
rough diamonds to the local diamond manufacturing industry.
The new Agreement would ensure that 16% of cut able rough is
supplied to the local industry.
• The Directorate is still spearheading a campaign against “blood
diamonds” – Namibian Diamonds are legitimate and contribute
to the country’s socio-economic development.
• 16 Factories have now been established and commissioned in
Namibia.
The following constraints were encountered while executing the above objectives: • Rough Diamonds supplied to local Industries not all processed in
Namibia yet (skills shortage).
• Special Stones are all exported but could be polished locally.
• Royalties and Export duties on diamond are set by the Minerals & Diamond Acts respectively and could only be reviewed with the amendment of the Act.
• Manpower is a huge concern, but is being addressed.
• Short notices are received from companies requesting our ser-vices.
• A few licensees find it hard to be good corporate citizens and are reluctant to play by the rules.
• The budget is not sufficient to enable us to meet our objectives
effectively. • Our vehicle fleet is old and wear and tear is extensive due to
long distances traveled in rough terrain. • Difficulty visiting operations at sea as we depend on operators to
transport us there.
Contract or Boat
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 24
Month Carats SSV—N$ Royalty—N$
Jan / Feb 478, 292.88 1,510,203,466.19 134,023,238.83
Total 478, 292.88 1,510,203,466.19 134,023,238.83
Royalty paid by producers 2008
Month Carats SSV—N$ Royalty—N$
Jan / Feb 2,062,311.11 4,967,936,079.02 580,516,171.59
Total 2,062,311.11 4,967,936,079.02 580,516,171.59
Royalty paid by producers 2007
The Energy Directorate develops and implements Government’s energy policy by realizing Government’s commitment to efficiently supply, secure, reliable and competitively priced energy to all sectors of the economy within the constraints of the competing demands of social equity and environ-mental sustainability on a short, medium and long term basis. The objectives projected by the Energy Directorate for the year under review were as follows:
1. Improved & harmonized legislation & regulations
2. Reduced Red Tape
3. Improved Licensing in the Energy Sector
4. Improved Regulation of Exploration & Production
5. Improved Health, Safety & Environment
6. Increased Use of Renewable Energy
7. Increased Energy Generation, Strategic Storage & Energy Export
8. Strengthened Transmission Networks
9. Enhanced Rural Electrification
10. Reliable, Affordable & Cost-Reflective Energy
11. Promoted Value-addition of Oil and Gas
12. Reduced number of Accidents in the Energy Sector
The following achievements were reached under the objec-tives below: Improved Licensing in the Energy Sector
• An exploration licence was issued to Kunene Energy, a local oil
company, to explore for oil and gas in Blocks 2713A and 2713B.
• A new petroleum exploration licence application by Labrea
Petroleo was under negotiation.
• The fuel industry experienced substantial growth, which is re-
flected by growth of 2.5 per cent in retail licences, 34.4 per cent
in wholesale licences and 1.2 per cent in consumer installation
certificates issued during the financial year under review.
Improved Health, Safety & Environment
• Two inspections of drilling rig/vessels operating in Namibia have
been conducted.
• A total of 181 site inspections were conducted on different fuel
wholesale and retail sites.
• No prominent accidents were reported during the drilling pro-
gramme at Kudu field.
• Fuel sold illegally at prices higher than the gazetted price were
reported and confiscated by the Namibian police.
Directorate of Energy
Mrs. Selma-Penna Ut onih, Direct or of Energy
Graph of Licences Leased 2007 - 2008
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 25
Increased Use of Renewable Energy
• A total of 600 solar systems to the value of N$11,084,562.20
were funded within a period of two years (2006-2007). The So-
lar Revolving Fund currently holds a commitment of 800 backlog
applications that are awaiting funding amounting to N$16,2 mil-
lion. N$200,000 was used to procure relevant demonstration
units of solar systems to support the promotion of renewable
energy technologies (RET) at regional level for all 13 regions. An
amount of N$200,000, carried over from the previous financial
year (2006/2007), was fully utilised during the period under re-
view for the marketing of wooden stoves in the Hardap, Khomas
and Omaheke regions.
• A co-operation agreement on wind resource assessment and
community centres has been signed between the Renewable
Energy and Energy Efficiency Institute (REEEI), hosted at Poly-
technic of Namibia, and Mobile Telecommunication Corporation
(MTC).
• In September 2007, REEEI launched a demonstration wood gasi-
fier at the Habitat Research and Development Centre. The Insti-
tute has developed a syllabus on Energy Systems Management for
the post-graduate programme, Masters in International Business.
The syllabus was approved by the Polytechnic of Namibia’s Sen-
ate and has since been adopted by the business school. The Insti-
tute has initiated and is part of the team assembled to draft the
new national Energy Regulatory Framework.
• Website management and web design training was conducted to
all REEEI staff by the Polytechnic of Namibia in 2007. A work-
shop was conducted in November 2007 to solicit comments
from stakeholders on the Energy Efficiency Strategic Action Plan.
• In June 2007, Cabinet approved the implementation of an Off-
Grid Energisation Master Plan and directed that all Government
and parastatal buildings’ hot water requirements should be met
through the installation of solar water heaters only.
Illegal f uel sales at prices higher t han t he gazetted pr ice
Dr illing r ig at Kudu f ield
The use of solar energy in rural area
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 26
• In September 2007, a stakeholders’ workshop was held on the
Renewable Energy Macro-Economic study. A special presenta-
tion was made in December 2007 to the MME Permanent Sec-
retary and the Managing Director of NamPower.
Increased Energy Generation, Strategic Storage & Energy Export
• During the year under review, the national oil company, Nam-
cor, completed market and site feasibility studies for the bulk
storage facility.
• Since early January 2008, Namibia started receiving the first 40
MW of electric power from the Hwange Thermal Power Plant
in Zimbabwe.
Strengthened Transmission Network
• A tender was awarded by NamPower to two international com-
panies Jyoti and KEC, which subcontracted local companies
such as ABB Namibia and Powerline 2000 for the construction
of DC converter stations and a High Voltage DC line for the
Caprivi Link Project. Enhanced Rural Electrification
• As a result of Government’s efforts towards achieving 25 per
cent access to electricity in rural areas of Namibia by the year
2012, 550 villages have so far been connected to the national
electricity grid at a total cost of more than N$350 million. A
total of 43 of these villages were connected in 2007. Currently,
only about 17 per cent of rural Namibians have access to elec-
tricity. Reliable, Affordable & Cost-Reflective Energy
• The pre-feasibility study for a refinery has been completed and
the MME granted approval to the national oil company, Nam-
cor, to promote the project to potential investors.
• During 2007 the National Energy Fund, which can and has been
used to smooth the impact of spikes in the price of fuel and to
fund the road subsidy claims, paid an amount of N$74 million in
respect of fuel price equalisation and fuel transport subsidies.
• The distribution of fuel to far remote areas during 2007 ac-
counted for 28 per cent of the total amount spent from the
National Energy Fund (NEF).
• The national oil company secured a contract with Afroneft, a
subsidiary of an international company Glencore, to procure
and import 50 per cent of the country’s petroleum require-
ments from sources other than South Africa.
Rural Electr ificat ion
NEF Expenditure t owards Fuel Price Equalization and
Fuel Road Transport Subsidy - 2007
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 27
Fuel subsidy by National Energy Fund
The following constraints were encountered while execut-ing the above objectives
• Lack of commitment from some of the licence holders resulted
in work programme obligations not being fulfilled.
• The absence of local geological service providers hinders the oil
companies’ performances.
• Lack of oil-rigs internationally might delay drilling of wells in
future.
• Lack of co-operation from the oil industry with regard to sub-
sidy administration issues.
• Insufficient operational budget has negatively affected work
programmes.
• The 2007/2008 Rural Electrification projects in Caprivi, Erongo,
Hardap, Karas, Kavango, Kunene, Ohangwena, Oshana and
Otjozondjupa could not be implemented due to a lack of tender
offers, the disqualification of contractors due to technical in-
competence and inexperience and unrealistically high tendered
prices. The National Tender Board cancelled and re-advertised
these tenders, but this did not bring the desired results. Instead,
the MME was left with no choice but to transfer the budget
allocated to these abovementioned regions to only three re-
gions (Omahake, Omusati and Oshikoto) for the extension of
the scope of works there, since contractors were successfully
appointed and already on site for project implementation in
those regions. Other achievements
• The distribution of 600,000 Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL)
bulbs countrywide as a Demand Side Management (DSM) strat-
egy. This measurement was expected to reduce the national
peak demand by 12 to 20 MW.
• Neptune, BHP Billiton and Ina Industrija Nafte have carried out
seismic surveys in their respective licence areas during this year.
• Tullow drilled a well to test the upside potential of the Kudu
gas field. A second proposed well was not drilled due to unsat-
isfactory results of the first well, thus it will be drilled at a later
stage.
• Petroleum Exploration and Production staff attended the fol-
lowing training courses that are related to Petroleum: Applied
Health, Safety and Environment; Offshore Survival and Fire
Fighting; Oil and Gas Transactions; Negotiating, Contracting and
Dispute Management; Petroleum Operations and Development;
Petroleum Engineering; Reservoir Engineering; and 3D Seismic
Interpretation.
• Staff members of the Directorate attended a number of interna-
tional conferences to promote Namibia. These include the in-
ternational conferences of the American Association of Petro-
leum Geologists (AAPG), Africa Upstream, Africa Energy Fo-
rum, and Petroleum Exploration Society of Great Britain.
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 28
The Directorate provides essential and indispensable services for the
smooth running of the Ministry, such as professional and quality administra-
tion and financial services to the four technical directorates, the Office of
the Permanent Secretary as well as the Office of the Minister.
Objectives of the Directorate of Administration and Finance
for the financial year under review:
1. Provide efficient and effective financial services.
2. Coordinate the efficient and effective management of logistics
and assets.
3. Coordinate recruitment, development and Management of hu-
man resources.
4. Manage and use information systems to communicate, share and
process information and data.
5. Provide a professional and customer focused service.
The achievements of the Directorate of Administration and Finance for the financial year under review:
1. Provide efficient and effective financial services • Monthly expenditure reports were circulated to each director-
ate and presented to management on a quarterly basis to assi st directorates in managing their budgets efficiently.
• Notably, the MME did not exceed the budget ceiling limit set by
Parliament, and capital projects were executed at a rate of 90 per cent and above.
• By implementing the necessary procedures and putting the ap-
propriate committees in place, the MME managed to comply with the State Finance Act, Tender Board Procedures, and sub-sistence and transport (S&T) guidelines.
2. Coordinate the efficient and effective management of
logistics and assets. Stock
• Very few deficiencies were detected during our annual stocktak-ing, indicating that staff are adhering to stock-control procedures and that the training of stock officers received is bearing fruit.
Security
• Upgrades and extensions were made to the Video Surveillance
System in the MME to improve overall security and safety. Maintenance
• A new tender for the kiosk was awarded to enable staff to pur-chase lunch and other refreshments, as the MME is situated far from the central business district (CBD).
• Renovation of the MME building is in progress and some areas have already been completed. Funds have been budgeted to complete the project by the end of the financial year.
• A private company has been contracted to keep the MME’s
premises clean and tidy. Transport • Routine administration and maintenance of the transport fleet
were done throughout the financial year. 3. Coordinate recruitment, development and management
of human resources.
• The MME managed to keep the establishment filled at 80 per cent despite the high staff turnover and other contributing fac-tors.
• The MME has met the target for numerical goals set up in the
Third Affirmative Action Plan for 2007/2009 for female staff members in senior management cadre positions. In addition, an Affirmative Action Compliance Certificate was awarded to the MME during 2007.
• Four staff members within the MME were promoted to manage-
ment cadre positions. •
Directorate of Administration & Finance
Mr. John Tit us, Director of Administration & F inance
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 29
• The MME granted study leave with full remuneration to 10 staff
members (all geoscientist s) to study towards BSc. (Hons) de-grees. All candidates successfully obtained their qualifications and nine of them have been promoted to the level of either principal geologist or geochemist.
• Two HIV-AIDS Information Sharing Days were held and dona-tions were made in cash and kind to 20 ‘positive living’ people in Katutura. MME staff commemorated World AIDS Day through prayer and motivational words.
• An HIV-AIDS Workplace Programme was introduced at the
MME and induction courses for new recruits were held on a regular basis.
4. Manage and use information systems to communicate, share and process information and data. • Since October 2007, the MME’s website features a website
statistics measurement system. The Absol Stat System pro-vides information on the number of site visitors and unique site visitors, visitor information, system information, coun-try information, search engine phrases and referrers.
The impression summary for the last six months is as follows: Total impressions: 26,743 Average impressions: 2,228 per month Peak month: February 2008 (5,703 imp.) Low month: October 2007 (3,108 imp.) Unique user summary for last six months: Total unique visitors: 5,186 Average unique visitors: 432 per month Peak month: February 2008 (1,019 unique users) Low month: October 2007 (673 unique users)
• A new training opportunities sub-section has been added to the
staff section of the MME’s Intranet site. This section will feature courses, short-courses and other training that may be of use to the professional development of staff.
• Apart from maintenance on users’ machines, i.e. replacing de-
vices or computer parts (CD drives, cards, memory modules etc), some updating was also done, including formatting and rein-stalling operating systems and all the relevant programmes, and rebuilding computers for new staff members. A substantial amount of computer support was provided for the users.
• The Information Technology Division employed four Polytechnic of Namibia Information Technology students and two UNAM Computer Science students. The students assisted in the installa-tion of software, configurations, upgrading and assembly on 62 new and old computers.
• Accurate and current records were kept on repair, diagnosis,
removal of equipment, appropriate logging and tracking of hard-
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 30
MME Staff at the HI V-AIDS I nformat ion Sharing Day
MME Web Sit e Visit or St at ist ics f or 2007 – 2008
ware malfunctions. • The refurbishment of close to 20 old computers, still in good
working condition, was done. This project was carried out with the purpose of retiring and donating computers to schools that are in need of computers.
5. Provide a professional and customer focused service
• In order to establish procedures to deal with complaints, sugges-tions and queries, complaint / suggestion forms were revised following input from staff. The forms are currently on display in public contact offices.
The following constraints were encountered while executing
the abovementioned objectives:
• Certain management positions were vacant, which negatively
influenced the achievements of some targets. • Delays in the implementation of the Performance Management
System (PMS) were experienced due to a failure to train a suffi-cient number of internal facilitators. A failure to obtain the Of-fice of the Prime Minister’s approval for the completed MME Strategic Plan also contributed to the aforementioned delays.
• The MME has experiencing difficulty in recruiting suitable local
candidates in the fields of geoscience and engineering, which in turn hampered the successful implementation of some capital projects.
• The absence of a retention policy in the public service and unat-tractive remuneration packages for technical personnel/staff working within Government contribute to the high staff turn-over experienced.
Ministry of Mines & Energy Annual Report 2007 / 08 | Pg. 31
BGR Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources
BGS British Geological Survey
BHP Broken Hill Proprietary (as in BHP Billiton)
AAPG American Association of Petroleum Geologists
CC Closed Corporation
CBD Central Business District
CFC Common Fund for Commodities
CFL Compact Fluorescent Light
CSIR Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
CSMI Centre for Sustainability in Mining and Industry
CTBTO Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organisation
DC Direct Current
DME Department of Minerals and Energy
DSM Demand Side Management
ECB Electricity Control Board
EPL Exclusive Prospecting Licence
EPZ Export Processing Zone
ESI Electricity Supply Industry
GRN Government of the Republic of Namibia
GSN Geological Survey of Namibia
IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency
ILZSG International Lead and Zinc Study Group
IT Information Technology
IYPE International Year of Planet Earth
JICA Japanese International Co-operation Agency
KPC Kimberley Process Certificate
MD Managing Director
MDF Mineral Development Fund
MDRL Mineral Deposit Retention Licence
ML Mining Licence
MME Ministry of Mines and Energy
MSL mean sea level
MTC Mobile Telecommunications Limited
MW Mega Watt
Namcor National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia
Namdeb Namdeb Diamond Corporation (Pty) Ltd, owned equally
by the Namibian Government and De Beers Centenary
AG
NAMREP Namibia Renewable Energy Programme
NDF National Defence Force
NDP3 National Development Plan 3
NDTC Namibia Diamond Trading Company
NEF National Energy Fund
NORED Northern Regional Electricity Distribution Company
NYTC National Youth Training Centre
OPE Oshakati Premier Electricity
OPM Office of the Prime Minister
OSL Optical stimulated luminescence
PIMA Portable Infrared Mineral Analyser
PDAC Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada
PMS Performance Management System
REECAP Renewable Energy Efficiency and Capacity Building
Program
REEEI Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Institute
RET Renewable Energy Technologies
RSA Republic of South Africa
SME Small and medium enterprises
SMU Small Miners of Uis
SSM Small-scale mining
SSM Supply side management
UNAM University of Namibia
USGS United States Geological Survey
XRD X-Ray Diffractometer
XRF X-Ray Fluorescence
MINISTRY OF MINES AND ENERGY
REPUBLIC OF THE GOVERNMENT OF NAMIBIA
1 AVIATION ROAD
PRIVATE BAG 13297
WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA
TEL: 061 284 8111, FAX: 061 238 643, EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: http://www.mme.gov.na
Acronyms & Abbreviations