Mining should lead green industries – deputy minister

Namibia is pushing forward with the development of new technologies, a move the country can use to create a more sustainable environment.

Mines and energy deputy minister Kornelia Shilunga says these developments include electric cars and renewable energy.

She was speaking at the ‘Localising Green Industries’ study launch on Tuesday.

Shilunga said the study marks an important step torwards creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for all Namibians.

According to Shilunga, the study on localising green industries concentrates on important sectors including iron, lithium and rare earth elements, where Namibia has enormous potential.

She said this will mean creating and facilitating a conducive business environment that encourages investment and innovation and that ensures the benefits of the natural resources are shared by all Namibians.

“By developing these industries in Namibia, we can create jobs, boost our economy and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change,” the deputy minister noted.

Shilunga said the key message from this study is how Namibia’s mining sector can play a central role in green industrialisation plans.

“We already have a strong mining industry and by building on this foundation, we can lead the way in producing green materials that are in high demand worldwide. The government and Ministry of Mines and Energy, in particular, need to ensure that our laws and policies support the growth of these new industries,” she said.

Shilunga celebrated the work done by the GIZ Business Alliance Project with the support of BMZ, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme, the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade and valued partners.

“Today, we are discussing and celebrating a study that offers clear and practical steps for developing and powering green industries in Namibia,” she said.

The study was carried out by a team from Systemiq, with the support from the GIZ, Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade.

“Their hard work has given us a roadmap to harness Namibia’s natural resources in a way that benefits our economy while also protecting our environment. These documents represent our shared commitment to driving forward Namibia’s green industrialisation agenda,” Shilunga said.