MUN engages policymakers on members' interests

The Mineworkers’ Union of Namibia (MUN) has called for greater worker representation in mining policy and investment decisions, including the issuing of mining licences.

The call was made at the union’s second of four regional roundtable engagements, held in Oranjemund on 29 August as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations.

MUN Secretary-General George Ampweya said the union should be included in critical tripartite forums, immigration selection boards and high-level engagements between prospective investors and the Ministry of Mines before mining licences are issued. “This would ensure that workers’ rights and labour standards are incorporated into strategic investment and licensing conditions, with violations attracting tangible corrective measures, including consequences for the holders of mining licences,” he said.

The series, held under the theme “From the Shaft to the Chamber: Workers’ Voices, National Choices”, focuses on the link between mining operations where wealth is generated and national decision-making on the sector. Co-hosted by the Namibia Miners Investment Trust (NAMIT) and NAM-MIC Holdings, the Southern Regional Roundtable continued discussions on workers’ interests, the mining sector and the future of work in Namibia. The first roundtable was held in Swakopmund.

In a keynote address delivered by Justina Jonas, Minister of Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse highlighted the impact of mine closures on communities in the region. “The closure of Scorpion Zinc in 2024 resulted in the loss of around 500 jobs, and many households in Rosh Pinah continue to feel that impact today. At this juncture, closure is not an option,” Amutse said.

The minister said the government and other stakeholders, including workers, were working towards a solution to restart the Scorpion Zinc mine and refinery. MUN Southern Region chairperson Mayamelo Kalumbu urged the minister to prioritise the mine’s reopening in order to curb unemployment. 

Amutse also said that Namdeb’s diamond operations continued to employ more than 700 people and remained an economic anchor for Oranjemund. “Without diamond mining, Oranjemund might have already turned into another ghost town. Unemployment in the //Kharas Region remains at about 38 per cent. This means that when a mine struggles, entire communities feel the consequences,” he said. However, Amutse said opportunities were emerging in uranium, copper, gold and critical minerals.

Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation, Wise Immanuel, said policymakers should place workers at the centre of decisions affecting the mining sector.

“Every decision we make as policymakers must have workers at the centre of it, in terms of ensuring that mining in this country leads to generational wealth creation,” he said.

Immanuel emphasised that mining should contribute to ownership, acquisition and governance, while Namibia should derive greater value from its natural resources through value addition.

MUN acting president Poco-Key Mberiuana said the union had remained an established labour institution advocating for mineworkers’ rights and economic advancement for four decades. “We are working to secure medical aid and pension benefits for our members, as well as funeral cover for former members and their grandchildren."