Mining drives the economy

The government received N$3.2 billion in corporate taxes and royalties from the mining sector in 2016 alone.This was said by the deputy minister of mines and energy, Kornelia Shilunga, at the start of the 2017 International Uranium Conference at Swakopmund on Tuesday.The two-day conference, hosted by the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM), brought together more than 120 local and international delegates to discuss matters pertaining to the uranium industry.During her keynote address, Shilunga said that uranium mining contributed to government revenue despite the prices of uranium declining recently. “Notwithstanding the present low uranium prices, the contribution of uranium mining alone, in royalties, was about N$161 million,” said Shilunga.She expressed satisfaction with how the Namibian mining industry has become much more responsible towards its employees, nearby communities and its surrounding environment.“Our local uranium mines have expended considerable efforts and costs to comply with regional and international standards for safety, health and environment such as those of the National Occupational Safety Association (NOSA),” she said.According to the Namibia Uranium Institute, 75% of Namibia's mining is done in national parks.The deputy minister pledged that the government would put in place appropriate legislation which would help to enforce, manage and limit the negative impact uranium mining had on people and the environment. The Husab, Langer Heinrich and Rössing uranium mines are all in the Erongo Region. Namibia is ranked as the fifth largest producer of uranium in the world. ADOLF KAURE

Mining drives the economy

Comments

Namibian Sun 2026-04-27

Please login to leave a comment

Mining drives the economy

Comments

Namibian Sun 2026-04-27

Please login to leave a comment

Subscription Required to Access Content ×

Login

Subscription Required to Access Content