Best Practice Guide for the Mining Sector in Namibia

Best Practice Guide for the Mining Sector in Namibia

The purpose of this document is to serve as a guiding framework during all phases of the mining life cycle in Namibia. By highlighting the best practices that have proven to be effective in the Namibian context, this guide will assist the mining sector in effectively addressing potential challenges, such as environmental and social impacts, and developing joint action engagement that is best suited to specific circumstances. Companies in the mining industry that conform to sustainable environmental and social principles were selected for benchmarking best practices in social, economic and environmental aspects of mining operations in Namibia. Leading practices demonstrated at various mines, as well as international best practices, have been used to develop solutions and to formulate "leading practice standards", which can be applied to all exploration and mining companies in Namibia. The document provides a clear indication of all regulatory requirements during all phases of the mining life cycle, thereby creating a shared sense of risk, responsibility and benefit to guide operators and shareholders, regulators and authorities, stakeholders and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs).

Although the focal point of this guide is mineral prospecting and mining, many of the principles contained herein can be applied elsewhere, and other sectors may also find these guidelines insightful and useful. This guide does not cover the regulatory framework for petroleum exploration or operations; these activities are governed specifically by the Namibian Petroleum Act, No. 2 of 1991.

In the last paragraph of their Foreword, the Ministers of Mines & Energy and Environment & Tourism say "the mining sector has taken the lead in Namibia by being the first economic sector to develop such a Best Practice Guide. It is our wish that other sectors follow suit and that, sector by sector, we implement a "planet, people and profit" philosophy and programme of action across Namibia."

Click/tap on the links below to download the relevant files:

Best Practice Guide in Mining Part 1 - Overview
Best Practice Guide in Mining Part 2 - Exploration
Best Practice Guide in Mining Part 3 - Construction projects
Best Practice Guide in Mining Part 4 - Mining
Best Practice Guide in Mining Part 5 - Care and maintenance