Skills gap threatens growth in Namibia’s mining sector
Namibia stands on the cusp of becoming a major supplier in the global energy transition, thanks to significant mineral discoveries. However, a critical shortage of skilled workers threatens to undermine this potential and derail momentum just as new projects begin.Recent years have seen a surge in investment and exploration, revitalising established uranium and gold operations and giving rise to new ventures in copper, zinc, manganese, and lithium. Projects such as the Rosh Pinah Zinc mine expansion, Andrada’s lithium-tin operation, and Deep Yellow’s Tumas uranium development signal an industry on the rise.
However, demand for skilled local talent, from geologists to engineers, is outpacing supply. The national training system is struggling to keep up, and many workers are leaving short-term roles in favour of more stable employment.
Mismatch of skills
While artisan-level trades such as boilermakers and electricians are relatively available, there’s a shortfall in advanced roles such as geologists, mining engineers, and technical specialists. As a result, some mines are hiring internationally, an unsustainable fix for an industry that needs local capacity and long-term community support.
With the rise of green hydrogen and oil and gas industries, competition for skilled labour is set to intensify further.
There is a pressing need to align education and training with industry demands. This includes investing in technical training centres, strengthening graduate and apprenticeship schemes, and reskilling professionals in areas like battery mineral processing and radiation safety.
Practical measures such as expanding internships, offering tax incentives for mentorship, and improving employment terms can help retain talent and stabilise the workforce.
Towards sustainable mining
Localising skills is essential for the mining sector’s long-term success. Companies must embed workforce planning into all projects and collaborate to establish regional training hubs. Strategic cooperation between government, industry, and educational institutions is key to ensuring that skills shortages don’t delay projects or damage investor confidence.
*Julien Karambua is the Country Manager of Workforce Staffing Namibia.
** Opinion pieces and letters by the public do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial team. The editors reserve the right to abridge original texts. All newspapers of Network Media Hub adhere to the Code of Ethics for Namibian Media, a code established jointly with the Media Ombudsman.