A new chapter is unfolding for Namibia's mining sector! The Chamber of Mines is on the hunt for a new Chief Executive Officer, following the retirement of the long-serving Veston Malango on November 30th. But don't worry, his expertise won't be lost entirely. Malango will be staying on for at least a year to ensure a seamless transition. Plus, there's a good chance he'll continue to contribute to the mining industry in other roles, perhaps on boards or regulatory bodies.
The Chamber has officially advertised the CEO position, offering a five-year renewable contract. To manage the recruitment process, they've enlisted the help of Visions Consulting, ensuring everything aligns with their governance policies.
Now, let's dive into some key figures that paint a picture of the industry's recent performance. In 2024, the mining sector contributed 13.3% to Namibia's GDP, a slight dip from 14.8% in 2023. Turnover saw a minor decrease, reaching N$51.382 billion compared to N$51.572 billion the previous year.
However, there's some good news too! Mining companies increased their salary payments to N$7.976 billion, up from N$6.85 billion. Employment also saw a boost, with the industry directly employing 20,843 people, a rise from 18,189 in 2023.
But here's where it gets controversial... Total taxes paid by the industry decreased to N$5.624 billion from N$6.861 billion in 2023. What could be the reasons behind this shift?
Founded in 1969, the Chamber of Mines plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting the interests of Namibia's mining and exploration sector. Their vision is to establish the industry as a safe, environmentally responsible, and globally competitive contributor to national prosperity. Their mission centers around responsible mining and exploration, guided by values like integrity, transparency, accountability, and compliance.
The new CEO will be tasked with providing strategic leadership and overseeing the Chamber's operations. This includes fostering a favorable environment for mining and exploration, strengthening relationships with key stakeholders like the government, labor unions, businesses, and international partners, and, of course, representing the interests of Chamber members.
Key performance areas will encompass strategic leadership, industry policy development, and corporate governance. The CEO will also be responsible for overseeing annual work programs and budgets, as well as managing stakeholder engagement with various groups, including government officials, political and labor leaders, business representatives, international partners, the media, and Chamber members.
And this is the part most people miss... The ideal candidate must possess an honors degree at NQF Level 8 in a relevant field such as mining, engineering, corporate finance, law, or business administration. A master's degree in business administration would be considered an advantage. They'll need at least ten years of senior general management experience in areas like engineering, corporate finance, legal, or corporate services, ideally within the mining industry. Experience in engaging with government and labor leaders is also a must.
The Chamber is looking for candidates with strong leadership, strategic thinking, policy development, legislative knowledge, risk profiling, interpersonal skills, and excellent presentation and writing abilities. Preference will be given to Namibian citizens, and shortlisted applicants will undergo vetting. The deadline for applications is January 30, 2026.
What do you think about the future of Namibia's mining industry? Do you agree with the Chamber's vision and mission? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
