Namibia’s mining industry is gaining global recognition, driven by strong regulations, clear policies and a commitment to economic growth, reports copper mining company Consolidated Copper CEO John Sisay.

He credits the country’s success to a governance framework that balances investment attraction with local beneficiation, ensuring that resources contribute to domestic job creation, skills development and tax revenues.

In addition to its mineral wealth, he tells Mining Weekly that Namibia is positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s green energy transition, with ambitious plans for a hydrogen industry that could draw significant investment.

“Despite the country’s growing reputation in the global mining sector, much of its land remains underexplored,” Sisay says, noting that he sees this as an opportunity, with advances in exploration technology and geological surveys likely to unlock further resources and solidify Namibia’s role as a key player in global mining.

Copper, in particular, presents a major economic opportunity, he says, pointing to the demand fuelled by the green energy revolution.

While Sisay views this as a defining moment for Namibia, he stresses that to fully capitalise on this potential, Namibia must continue to focus on value-added processing and workforce upskilling. “By doing so, the country can strengthen its position within the global supply chain rather than relying on raw exports.”

Despite these strengths, Namibia’s mining industry also faces several challenges such as water shortages and increasing environmental, social and governance (ESG) demands, which are creating hurdles for local miners.

One of the most pressing concerns is the shortage of skilled professionals – a challenge that will only intensify as new industries, such as oil exploration and hydrogen production, emerge, Sisay notes.

He warns that by 2030, competition for expertise will be “fiercer than ever”, though he is confident that the right policies on training and upskilling could turn this challenge into an opportunity.

In addition, Sisay says that innovation is also playing a crucial role in Namibia’s mining sector, particularly in its efforts to integrate sustainability into operations.

“Namibia has begun implementing solar-powered mining initiatives, reducing reliance on imported electricity while lowering costs and environmental impact. Hybrid renewable energy solutions, specifically, are helping mining operations become more efficient while also reducing their carbon footprint,” he highlights.

In the copper mining industry, companies are pioneering various efficiency-enhancing technologies, states Sisay, pointing to the use of nano bubbles in leach solutions, which significantly improves recovery rates, as well as multi-lift leaching technology that enables treatment of material above 6 m.

On the logistics side, dispatch scanners that simultaneously read barcodes and capture images of scanned copper bundles have helped streamline mining operations, while ore sorting technology is reducing transportation costs and increasing overall efficiency by eliminating waste materials at their source.

“These technological advancements show that Namibia is not just a source of critical minerals, but is actively shaping the future of global mining,” Sisay asserts, though he emphasises that attracting further investment will be key to maintaining this momentum.

Regional Strength

Regional cooperation is another critical factor in Namibia’s mining success, he adds, noting that the country is part of one of Africa’s richest copper belts, which extends into neighbouring countries.

Sisay notes that shared infrastructure, including roads, ports and energy networks, helps keep supply chains efficient while cross-border policy alignment strengthens competitiveness.

“Namibia’s mining sector does not exist in isolation; rather, it is part of a broader Southern African ecosystem where regional collaboration benefits multiple economies,” he says.

The country’s legal framework is also evolving to ensure that its natural resources contribute to long-term national development.

Sisay highlights government plans to refine mining laws, with a strong emphasis on local beneficiation.

“The incoming administration has signalled a push for increased value-added processing within Namibia to ensure that mineral wealth benefits the local economy before reaching global markets. At the same time, licensing processes are being simplified to improve transparency, while ESG compliance will play an increasingly significant role in regulatory expectations,” he elaborates.

Investors, he adds, must align with Namibia’s vision for responsible growth to succeed in the country’s evolving mining landscape.

Looking ahead, Sisay believes Namibia has the potential to set a benchmark for responsible mining in Africa. He says that economic success “must be accompanied by environmental stewardship and social responsibility”, adding that investments in renewable energy, infrastructure and community development will ensure that Namibia’s mining industry remains sustainable in the long term.

He also reinforces Consolidated Copper’s own commitment to responsible mining, stating that the company prioritises sustainably sourced copper while supporting local communities.