Modern Mining: Insights

Skills gaps threaten sustainable growth and progress in Namibia’s mining sector

By Julien Karambua, Country Manager at Workforce Staffing Namibia

Namibia is poised to become a key supplier in the global energy transition with discoveries of critical minerals like lithium, gold and uranium. While this presents a significant opportunity for economic advancement, ensuring that this growth is sustainable, requires a considered approach. There is currently a critical shortage of skilled workers, which risks undermining the country’s potential within the mining sector. If this skills gap is not addressed swiftly, the industry’s momentum could stall just as it is beginning to take off.

Mines forge benchmark for effective water management

Guided by circular economy principles, many mines are innovating ways of reducing water use, reusing and recycling it back into processing plants and, in many instances, even repurposing treated water for other applications.

Wired for success

Leaders operate in high-pressure environments that demand quick decision-making, adaptability and resilience. Understanding the brain’s cognitive processes - how it handles risk, creativity, stress and motivation - can help them enhance their leadership skills, drive innovation and build mental resilience for long-term success, writes Dr Phyllis Ndlovu, CEO of Kisima Psychological Services.

Structure, sustainability drive DRC mining toward maturity

Developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo show that the country’s mining sector is transitioning from volume-driven extraction to a more structured industry focused on global standards and sustainability.

The value of battery energy storage (BESS) in the future energy grid

By Jason van der Poel, Partner at Webber Wentzel & Rob Futter, Director at Cresco Group

Is what happened to Blue Nova reflective of South Africa's BESS market?

Rob Futter, Director at Cresco Group, points to Reunert's financial results of 26 May 2025, which noted the “disposal of battery storage business Blue Nova Energy as having a significant adverse impact on its interim results.”

More output, less overhead - why the mining sector should rethink its service strategy

By Mamiki Matlawa, ACTOM Group Business Development Executive

With the threat of a global downturn, costs are under constant scrutiny and mining companies are under pressure to streamline operations without sacrificing output. Despite this, many organisations still depend on a fragmented network of service providers, each with its own contracts, processes, and communication protocols to meet their equipment, staffing, and maintenance needs.