Mining expo and conference oversubscribed
Phillep Uusiku
Windhoek
After two years of absence, this year’s mining expo and conference, where Namibia’s extractive industry is showcased, was oversubscribed after attracting 103 exhibitors.
The exhibitors, which included both local and foreign participants, occupied 163 stands. This is a significant improvement compared to the 88 exhibitors in 136 stands at the previous event in 2019.
This was revealed by Namibia Chamber of Mines president Hilifa Mbako at the official opening of the expo, which started on 31 August, and ended on 1 September.
The 103 exhibitors at this year’s expo included 11 companies from neighbouring South Africa and SCAW Limited from Zambia.
In addition, a delegation from Indonesia, which consisted of executives of the giant tin conglomerate of Indonesia PT Timah Tbk, was also in attendance.
“Timah Tbk is already engaging our Uis Tin mine operated by AfriTin and exploring further areas of cooperation, particularly in further value addition by potential investments in tin smelting in Namibia,” Mbako said.
Moreover, a delegation from Finland, which already visited mines in the Erongo Region also participated at the expo. She noted that a business delegation from India was also in attendance.
Opportune time
In her keynote address during the opening, deputy minister of mines and energy Kornelia Shilunga noted that the expo came after months of rising fuel prices, which increased the cost of operations.
“We are also witnessing an inflationary environment typified by multiple repo-rate hikes,” she added.
“The question is: How will we turn these challenges into opportunities; bad conditions to better ones; problems to solutions at home and abroad as mining companies and as regulations and policymakers?”
Shilunga said the expo came at an opportune time as it created a platform for the industry to meet in person to engage and discuss the position of mining in Namibia for renewed growth and expansion in a post Covid-19 spectrum.
“It is my hope that this expo will showcase the latest in resource technology, expand the discussion of sustainable development with the leaders of the industry and also provide forum to foster Namibia’s economic growth,” she said at the time.
Windhoek
After two years of absence, this year’s mining expo and conference, where Namibia’s extractive industry is showcased, was oversubscribed after attracting 103 exhibitors.
The exhibitors, which included both local and foreign participants, occupied 163 stands. This is a significant improvement compared to the 88 exhibitors in 136 stands at the previous event in 2019.
This was revealed by Namibia Chamber of Mines president Hilifa Mbako at the official opening of the expo, which started on 31 August, and ended on 1 September.
The 103 exhibitors at this year’s expo included 11 companies from neighbouring South Africa and SCAW Limited from Zambia.
In addition, a delegation from Indonesia, which consisted of executives of the giant tin conglomerate of Indonesia PT Timah Tbk, was also in attendance.
“Timah Tbk is already engaging our Uis Tin mine operated by AfriTin and exploring further areas of cooperation, particularly in further value addition by potential investments in tin smelting in Namibia,” Mbako said.
Moreover, a delegation from Finland, which already visited mines in the Erongo Region also participated at the expo. She noted that a business delegation from India was also in attendance.
Opportune time
In her keynote address during the opening, deputy minister of mines and energy Kornelia Shilunga noted that the expo came after months of rising fuel prices, which increased the cost of operations.
“We are also witnessing an inflationary environment typified by multiple repo-rate hikes,” she added.
“The question is: How will we turn these challenges into opportunities; bad conditions to better ones; problems to solutions at home and abroad as mining companies and as regulations and policymakers?”
Shilunga said the expo came at an opportune time as it created a platform for the industry to meet in person to engage and discuss the position of mining in Namibia for renewed growth and expansion in a post Covid-19 spectrum.
“It is my hope that this expo will showcase the latest in resource technology, expand the discussion of sustainable development with the leaders of the industry and also provide forum to foster Namibia’s economic growth,” she said at the time.
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