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The mining industry’s direct employment figures rose to 20,843 in 2024, marking a 14.6% increase from the previous year’s 18,189 jobs. This growth underscores the sector’s critical role in job creation, particularly in a country where youth unemployment remains a pressing issue. The total wage bill for the industry reached N$7.976 billion, up from N$6.85 billion in 2023, reflecting higher salaries and an expanded workforce
Namibia’s mining sector has demonstrated resilience and growth in 2024, adding more than 2,600 new jobs despite a slight contraction in overall output, according to the Chamber of Mines of Namibia’s Annual Review for 2024.
The sector, which remains a cornerstone of the national economy, contributed significantly to employment, local procurement, and government revenue, even as it navigated challenges such as declining diamond prices and global economic uncertainties.
The mining industry’s direct employment figures rose to 20,843 in 2024, marking a 14.6% increase from the previous year’s 18,189 jobs. This growth underscores the sector’s critical role in job creation, particularly in a country where youth unemployment remains a pressing issue. The total wage bill for the industry reached N$7.976 billion, up from N$6.85 billion in 2023, reflecting higher salaries and an expanded workforce. Employees contributed N$1.695 billion in Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) taxes, further bolstering government coffers.
The uranium and gold sub-sectors were standout performers, driving much of the employment growth. Langer Heinrich Uranium, which resumed operations in early 2024, and Swakop Uranium’s Husab Mine, the world’s second-largest uranium producer, played pivotal roles. Swakop Uranium alone employed 1,593 permanent staff and 2,259 contractors, while B2Gold’s Otjikoto Mine and Navachab Gold Mine also expanded their workforces. Notably, Navachab achieved record gold production, further solidifying gold’s position as a key contributor to the sector’s stability.
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Local procurement by mining companies reached N$23.944 billion, accounting for nearly 47% of the industry’s total revenue. This emphasis on sourcing goods and services from Namibian businesses has strengthened small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and fostered economic inclusivity. Debmarine Namibia, for instance, spent N$2.2 billion locally, while Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter directed 83.6% of its procurement to Namibian suppliers.
