Raw mineral export ban: Geingob hits back at critics

President Hage Geingob has reiterated Namibia’s position against the export of unprocessed critical mineral ore, saying the country will only do business with those who share this vision.

In June, Namibia banned the export of unprocessed critical minerals such as crushed lithium ore, cobalt, manganese, graphite and rare-earth metals and elements, saying it seeks to get maximum benefits from its riches.

In a speech read on his behalf by vice-president Nangolo Mbumba, Geingob said: "Africa has an opportunity to change the narrative of possessing abundant mineral wealth yet faltering under the effects of the scourge of poverty among its citizens. As Africans, and thereby, the owners of mineral wealth, it is within our will and means to address the scourge of poverty that afflicts our people."

The remarks were delivered yesterday at the opening of the annual mining expo in Windhoek.

Abundant minerals

The president referred to the critical minerals in global demand that are necessary for the transition to renewable energy and the high-tech equipment that now dominates global society.

The transition can only be achieved through the use of large quantities of these minerals, and Africa possesses a third of the world's mineral reserves, the president said.

As such, Namibia must use these resources effectively "as a means to advance our national and the continent's development agenda and to bring our citizens into the mainstream of the mining value chain and thereby empower them economically," Geingob said.

The president said the trend away from carbon-driven energy has intensified global interest in the exploration, mining and processing of critical minerals such as lithium and other rare earth minerals. Earlier this year, Cabinet placed a ban on the export of unprocessed lithium, rare earth minerals, cobalt, manganese and graphite.

However, agreements have recently been signed with the European Union, the United States of America and Japan to ensure access to these minerals for them.

"However, we have made it clear to interested parties and other potential stakeholders that Namibia will only do business with those who share its vision of local value addition to our minerals to produce finished products for export," the president said.

Investment boost

According to Geingob, the ban is expected to spur investment in the establishment of local processing facilities by private entities or private-public partnerships.

Mines and energy minister Tom Alweendo reiterated: "We will insist that raw critical minerals are not exported without value being added locally. And where possible, we will demand that processed minerals be used as inputs in locally manufactured goods, such as batteries, allowing us to export manufactured goods."

Alweendo said it surprises him when foreigners accuse Namibia of mineral nationalisation and claim the country disregards the issue of poverty.

He explained: "These are the ones that fail to create a mutually beneficial relationship with their stakeholders, be it their employees or the communities where they do business. These are the investors who comfortably break the rules – those who do not respect the mineral licence conditions regarding safety and the environment. To these investors, our message to you is that we are a country governed by the rule of law, and this applies to everyone. It's time you start earning your licence to operate."