IGF Mining Policy Framework Assessment: Namibia

For the mining sector to make a strong, positive contribution to Namibia’s sustainable development, a strong legal and policy framework that maximizes the benefits accrued to the nation and to communities is required, a framework that promotes the development benefits of mining while upholding strong environmental and social standards.

Mining can play a significant role in a nation’s long-term social and economic development: it can generate revenues for the government; provide employment, skills development and business opportunities for local communities; and support investments in education, health, clean technology and infrastructure. At the request of the Government of Namibia, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) conducted an assessment of the country's mining laws and policies, using its Mining Policy Framework (MPF). 

This assessment report first presents Namibia’s development, mining and legal contexts. It then highlights the key strengths and gaps in Namibia’s mining policies and laws, across all six of the MPF’s thematic areas, before making recommendations for further capacity building and reform. The six MPF thematic areas are: the Legal and Policy Environment, Financial Benefit Optimization, Socioeconomic Benefit Optimization, Environmental Management, the Post-Mining Transition, and Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM).