Geingob credited for resolving Rössing impasse

Mining executive Zebra Kasete has hailed late president Hage Geingob for his role in ensuring Rössing Uranium would continue operating as a going concern in 2008 and 2009 following challenges the company was going through. According to him, Rössing was going through trying times and Geingob’s involvement led to its long-term survival, despite threats to the business. Speaking at a memorial in Geingob’s honour earlier this week, Kasete said the late statesman’s interventions helped ensure the company’s board and then mines minister Erkki Nghimtina, then Rössing Uranium board chairperson, the late Rehabeam Hoveka, and then independent director Frank Fredericks were able to reach an amicable solution regarding the future of the mine.Geingob, who served as trade minister at the time, resolved to put the board members and Nghimtina in a room and allowed each to make presentations about what they felt was necessary regarding the company’s future fortunes. “It was back in 2008 when Rössing had a matter that reached a critical stage that threatened the viability of the business. President Geingob was tasked to resolve the matter. President Geingob brought all of us together and put us in one room, and physically locked the room,” Kasete said of the late president’s intervention. The members of the group were then required to make presentations about how they felt the business could be saved, he recalled. Soft spot“Dr Geingob allowed us to present our cases to him. After listening to our different versions, he reminded us about our country’s struggle towards independence, the United Nations decree on national resources, and about the non-retroactivity of our laws,” Kasete said.“After listening to all these things, he suggested an amicable solution. We left that room, each satisfied. That was the hallmark of [Geingob],” he added. Kasete further described Geingob as someone with a soft spot for the mining industry, as evidenced by his frequent interactions and visits to various mining operations.“[He] had a soft spot for the mining industry. His dedication and presence will always be remembered, and the mining industry pays tribute to his unwavering support. He was always present. His commitment was displayed by accepting numerous invitations and by opening mines,” he said.

Geingob credited for resolving Rössing impasse

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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Geingob credited for resolving Rössing impasse

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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