Miners urged to reskill
The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) has warned that technological advances and automation risk leaving mineworkers behind unless the industry invests urgently in skills development.
Speaking after the three-day Namibia Mining Expo in Windhoek, MUN acting president Poco-Key Mberiuana said worker empowerment could no longer focus solely on wages and conditions as new technologies reshape jobs across the sector.
"As the industry evolves through technological advancement and changing labour markets, we must ensure that workers are not left behind. Worker empowerment must extend beyond wages and working conditions to include education, skills development and opportunities that prepare people for the future of work," he said.
The union used the Expo, held from 4 to 6 August, to engage government, mining companies, organised labour, development partners and educational institutions on workplace safety, skills development and social dialogue.
Namibia's mining sector is facing a wave of new projects while existing operations increasingly adopt automation and respond to the global energy transition. MUN argued that continuous learning and workforce development would be essential for mineworkers to participate meaningfully in this transformation.
"By investing in workers, we strengthen our industry, our communities and Namibia's long-term development," Mr Mberiuana said.
The union said technological change must not come at the expense of workers' rights, and called for closer collaboration among government, mining companies, organised labour and communities to ensure mining benefits extend beyond mineral production and company returns.
It argued that responsible mining should include safe working conditions, fair labour practices, social investment and community development as Namibia seeks to use its mineral resources to generate broader economic growth.
The union, established in 1986, said it would continue to advocate for workers' rights and skills development while supporting a mining industry capable of remaining competitive as technology and global mineral demand change.
