Study on glass production in the pipeline

THE Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources of Germany (BGR) and the Geological Survey of Namibia (GSN) are looking for a consultant to conduct a study on the potential of establishing a glass industry in Namibia.

According to an advert in the media yesterday, this is a joint project under the ‘Sustainable Use of Namibia’s Mineral Potential’ and it would contribute to Namibia’s Growth at Home strategy by evaluating the economic potential of non-metalic commodities and promoting local value addition.

Glass is made from natural and abundant raw materials (sand, soda ash and limestone) that are melted at very high temperature to form a new material – glass.

At high temperature, glass is structurally similar to liquids, however, at ambient temperature it behaves like solids. As a result, glass can be poured, blown, pressed and moulded into different shapes.

Namibia has abundant amounts of sand, and “glass production was identified as a prospective field of intervention”.

In recent weeks, the brewing industry in particular has been hit by a shortage of glass bottles after manufacturers in South Africa reduced production due to Covid-19-related issues.

“As of 2021, Namibia does not have a glass producing industry and imports all glass products from abroad,” said the advert.

“To explore the possibilities for mineral beneficiation, and local value addition, a study to evaluate the potential development of the glass industry in Namibia shall be conducted on behalf of the BGR-GSN project to advise the GSN, Namibian ministries and other key stakeholders,” said the advert.

The successful candidate shall prepare a report according to the conditions of the terms of reference based on existing information and own findings, including interviews with relevant stakeholders.

“They must capacitate GSN members on the approach and assessment through information workshops and present findings to relevant stakeholders.”

For 2021, Namibia imported an average of N$55 million worth of glassware every month. The deadline for application is 7 March 2022.

Email: matthew@namibian.com.na