Namibia will host the 10th Mining Expo and Conference on Aug. 30-31 in Windhoek, the country's capital.
The event launched Tuesday in Windhoek will run under the theme "Namibia's role in the sustainable supply of minerals to support the global energy transition."
This year's event aims to shed light on Namibia's significant contribution to the global shift toward sustainable energy usage, with abundant untapped resources of critical minerals -- uranium, oil, and gas, and green hydrogen, said Veston Malango, the chief executive officer at the Chamber of Mines of Namibia, the host.
"Namibia is poised to take center stage in supporting the global energy transition, paving the way for new economic opportunities within the mining sector," he said in a statement.
Malango said with more than 86 exhibitors expected to participate, it is set to be a milestone event, fostering knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration among industry professionals and the public. "Another highlight of this year's event will be the unveiling of a comprehensive database capturing all inputs of goods and services consumed within Namibia's mining sector."
The event is a premier gathering that will bring together industry professionals, suppliers, and stakeholders to explore the latest advancements, opportunities, and challenges in the mining sector.
Namibia's mining industry has played a crucial role in the country's economy, he noted.
According to the latest industry snapshot, in 2022, the mining industry experienced a remarkable growth of 21.6 percent, driven by a major increase in diamond output. He said the industry's significant contribution is further highlighted by its total taxes paid.
Furthermore, the mining industry contributed 12.2 percent to Namibia's gross domestic product last year, compared to 9.1 percent in 2021. In terms of direct employment, the industry provided jobs to 16,147 individuals in 2022, compared to 15,246 in the previous year.
Editor: Galia
