Omnia Holdings company BME reaffirmed its commitment to Namibia’s buoyant mining industry at the 12th edition of Namibia Mining Expo & Conference in Windhoek last month.
Hosted annually by the Chamber of Mines of Namibia, this year’s edition was the largest, attracting 180 exhibitors across 320 booths, including top-ranking government representatives and Namibian mining project owners, represented at both operational and management levels.
Lefa Masiuana, General Manager of BME Metallurgy, noted that the large participation, especially from new companies, as well as the growing interest in minerals other than uranium, gold, and zinc, at this year’s event, was a strong signal of the sector’s growth prospects.
“The large participation by government and captains of industry has positioned the conference as a robust forum for all stakeholders to unpack the challenges facing the Namibian mining sector while charting the way forward,” he said.
“As a leading blasting and metallurgical solutions provider, BME can play an even greater role in skills transfer as new companies engage with us,” said Masiuana, adding that skills shortages were among the biggest challenges facing the Namibian mining industry and could potentially stifle project development.
Fritz Schutz, Managing Director of BME Metallurgy Namibia, highlighted that the mining industry makes a significant contribution to Namibia’s economy, attracting foreign-direct investment (FDI), earning export revenue and taxes, as well as creating employment and skills development opportunities.
Omnia’s investment in Namibia over many years also denotes confidence in the country’s future growth prospects, specifically mining.
He explained that the country’s sound infrastructure, including an efficient bulk-commodities port, a robust financial services sector, and the expertise and skills levels of Namibians, appealed to potential investors in the country’s mining industry.
“BME has demonstrated its commitment to the industry on a long-term basis by helping its clients to prosper during commodity booms while successfully navigating difficult conditions by improving production and reducing operating costs,” he explained.
Schutz added that “BME provides support through its team of experts from South Africa and globally, staying committed to contributing to the growth of Namibia’s mining sector.
Omnia has a long and proud track record of servicing the Namibian mining industry, which is an important and strategic market for us,” Schutz explained.
Jako Maree, Country Manager for BME Blasting Solutions Namibia, the positive sentiments shared by delegates and exhibitors.
“Namibia’s mining industry has benefited from several government interventions that have encouraged investment and development, and ease of doing business.
Over and above the recommissioning of existing operations and brownfield projects, there are many planned greenfield mining projects in the pipeline and, if they reach fruition, will place the Namibian economy on a new growth trajectory”, said Maree.
“BME’s consistent participation in the conference over the years has enabled us to forge strong business relationships very early in the project lifecycle.”
“Senior policymakers again reaffirmed government’s commitment to working with mining companies to find solutions to challenges that have previously prevented the industry from achieving its full potential, while also ensuring that all stakeholders benefit,” he said.
Considering the positive outlook for the industry, Schutz stated that it would not be long before the Namibia Mining Expo & Conference grows to greater heights, with increased interest in this region.
