De Beers Group’s joint venture company with the Government of the Republic of Namibia, Namdeb, won a mine safety award at the 2018 Namibia Mining Expo held recently.

The expo, a two-day event held in Windhoek, provided a platform and opportunity for mining companies and other stakeholders in the industry to showcase their work and related services.

It was at this event that the award was presented to Namdeb. Corporate Affairs Manager Pauline Thomas said: “This award is a true testimony of the continuous commitment by everyone at Namdeb towards the company’s prime value of putting safety first.”

Namdeb’s stall at the expo was also a major attraction for mining industry representatives, former Namdeb employees, students and Oranjemund residents.

“Guest of honour at the expo was Namibian Minister of Mines and Energy Tom Alweendo, who also toured the company’s Elizabeth Bay mine and treatment plant as part of his official visit to Lüderitz and other mines in Namibia’s Karas Region,” De Beers stated.

At the mine, Namdeb CEO Riaan Burger and the management team of the Company   briefed the Minister on the mine’s operations. The Minister was accompanied on the visit by John Titus, Namibian Energy Director, and Samson Nghiteeka, Namibian Inspector of Mines.

One of the presentations at the expo outlined how the country’s mining sector had remained the bedrock of the Namibian economy – in good times and in turbulent times, as seen in the last two years.  

“In 2017, the mining sector recorded a healthy growth of 12.2 per cent, according to VestonMalango, CEO of the Chamber of Mines of Namibia,” De Beers said.  

Another presentation, this one by Women in Mining Association Namibia (WiMAN), detailed   how women are “recognised and represented” in the industry and also how things can be improved.

Namdeb was a staunch proponent of WiMAN when the organisation was launched last yearand continues to be a supporter of the organisation.

“ZenziAwases, a former Namdeb bursar and now employed at Debmarine Namibia, is the WiMAN President and Cindy Andrews, a Namdeb geologist, serves on the Executive Committee as secretary,” De Beers noted.

Pic Cap: Riaan Burger (centre) picks up the award with some of his Namdeb team (from left) Francis Milomo, Cindy Andrews, Megan Runds, NdawedapoShannika, Alina Nelenge, Pauline Thomas, Nella Zamuee and Jennifer Nehoya.