Namibia: Mining Companies as Drivers of Economic and Social Development

China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN), in partnership with Africa Policy Institute, publishes a report detailing the contribution of mining companies to Namibia's economic and social progress while exploring their challenges and opportunities.

Share:

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

Since 2012, China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) has established itself as a key player in resource extraction in Namibia, particularly through its investment in the Husab uranium mine. The report recently published by CGN, in collaboration with Africa Policy Institute (API), highlights the impact of mining companies on the country’s economic and social development while identifying major challenges they face.

The study emphasizes the central role of the mining sector in Namibia’s economic growth. Mines significantly contribute to the national GDP, job creation, and increased tax revenues. In the case of the Husab mine, CGN’s investments have implemented responsible industrial practices aligned with sustainable development principles. However, the analysis also reveals structural obstacles, such as global market fluctuations and a shortage of specialized skills, which hinder the sector’s potential.

Collaboration Required for a Sustainable Future

To address these challenges, CGN advocates for a collaborative approach among economic stakeholders, governments, and local communities. Such coordination could strengthen the sector’s resilience to market volatility and ensure a more equitable distribution of economic benefits. The report also suggests strategies to attract more foreign investments, promote local workforce training, and integrate advanced technologies into mining operations.

A Model for Extractive Industries in Africa

The initiative by CGN and API offers valuable lessons for other African countries seeking to sustainably harness their natural resources. The approach proposed in the report, based on multi-stakeholder dialogue and innovation, illustrates how mining companies can become catalysts for social progress while minimizing their environmental footprint.

By showcasing the example of the Husab uranium mine, CGN demonstrates that mining can go hand-in-hand with inclusive growth. However, this requires constant engagement from all stakeholders to overcome challenges and maximize the opportunities the sector offers.

The Tennessee Valley Authority partners with ENTRA1 Energy to develop up to 6 gigawatts of modular nuclear capacity, in an unprecedented project supporting energy growth across seven U.S. states.
A report by the International Atomic Energy Agency puts Iran’s 60% enriched uranium at 440.9 kg before Israeli and U.S. strikes, while the agency’s access to enrichment sites has remained suspended since the operations.
US-based Westinghouse has signed six industrial agreements in the UK to supply critical components for its AP1000 and AP300 nuclear projects in Britain and abroad.
NANO Nuclear Energy receives direct funding from the US Air Force innovation branch to assess the integration of its KRONOS MMRâ„¢ microreactor at the Washington D.C. military base.
EDF extends the operation of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool by one year after favourable safety inspections, ensuring continuity of nuclear production and safeguarding more than 1,000 jobs.
Russian nuclear group Rosatom has confirmed advanced discussions with India and Turkey to launch new power plants, including advanced and floating reactor technologies.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has identified uranium particles of industrial origin in samples taken from a Syrian site suspected of hosting an undeclared nuclear reactor.
Norwegian authorities begin the first regulatory phase for two modular nuclear reactor projects, marking a strategic step in the national review of the potential role of nuclear energy in the country’s power mix.
With eleven reactors under construction and major projects such as Jaitapur, India is preparing a nuclear build-up that could place it among the world’s five leading nations in the sector.
France and Germany have validated a joint energy roadmap, including a commitment to the non-discrimination of nuclear energy in European financing.
Russia and Iran seek to strengthen their nuclear cooperation as the E3 activates the sanctions mechanism against Tehran, reigniting tensions over compliance with the 2015 Vienna agreement.
US-based Natura Resources has secured strategic funding and key permits for its MSR-1 nuclear reactor, backed by public funds and enriched fuel allocation from the Department of Energy.
The United States and South Korea have agreed to initiate discussions on reprocessing spent nuclear fuel, marking a potential strategic shift in the long-standing bilateral agreement.
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission has granted a 40-year extension for the AP1000 reactor design certification, supporting its long-term construction domestically and deployment abroad.
Nano Nuclear Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding with Dioxitek, Argentina’s only uranium supplier for nuclear fuel, to assess the development of local conversion and enrichment capacities.
Stockholm plans to restart uranium extraction by lifting the 2018 ban, aiming to secure strategic supply chains and support domestic nuclear electricity production.
The French Atomic Energy Commission has signed a letter of intent with start-up Calogena to study the installation of a 30 MW thermal small nuclear reactor at its Cadarache site.
A Guidehouse Research report anticipates strong growth in the global nuclear modular reactor market, with revenues rising from $375.8 million in 2025 to $8.1 billion in 2034.
KHNP, Doosan, POSCO and Samsung C&T join US partners to develop 5 GW of modular reactors, expand uranium enrichment and build an 11 GW energy complex in Texas.
The US Department of Energy is creating an industrial consortium to accelerate domestic enriched uranium production and reduce reliance on foreign imports ahead of the Russian supply ban in 2027.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.