Namibia's mining sector generated over N$64 billion in mineral sales in 2025, despite diamond market slump
Namibia's mining sector generated over N$64 billion in mineral sales in 2025, an increase of 25% from N$51.3 billion in 2024. This growth occurred despite a 9.4% contraction in overall mining activity and a slump in diamond markets, with strong performances in gold and uranium cushioning the impact. Chamber of Mines president George Botshiwe highlighted the sector's resilience and diversification away from traditional diamond dependence. Mining contributed 14% to Namibia's gross domestic product in 2025. The sector paid N$7.8 billion in direct corporate taxes, N$2.5 billion in royalties, and N$685 million in export levies in 2025. Employees contributed an estimated N$1.5 billion in PAYE taxes. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized the sector's importance for economic growth and its role in supporting the government's youth empowerment agenda by exposing young people to career opportunities. The industry directly employed over 20,000 people, with 98% of permanent employees being Namibian citizens. Chamber members spent N$24 billion on locally sourced goods and services, representing 65% of their total procurement expenditure. Exploration expenditure also grew by 22% to N$1.5 billion, indicating continued investor interest.
