Namibia - Sustainable use of the mineral resource potential II

Country / Region: Namibia / Africa
Focal Point: Mineral resources

Begin of project: May 1, 2017

End of project: April 30, 2022

Status of project: July 1, 2022

Field trip preparation Source: BGR

Namibia is rich in mineral resources. In 2017, the mining sector accounted for 14 % of Namibia’s GDP and contributed over 50 % of the country’s export earnings. If the industry’s upward trend continues, high tax revenues and job creation may result, helping to grow Namibia’s economy and strengthen its society. Namibian mining thus offers considerable potential to reduce poverty in Namibia.

BGR has been implementing projects with the Geological Survey of Namibia (GSN) for over 20 years. The current project Sustainable Use of Namibia's Mineral Resource Potential II supports the Economic Geology Division of the GSN in assessing the economic viability of domestic mineral deposits and developing them for local value addition. This joint GSN and BGR project focusses on non-metallic minerals (also known as industrial minerals). Their possible contribution to local value generation has, thus far, been the subject of only limited investigation by the Economic Geology Division, even though the results of the previous projects showed their potential in this respect.

Hand specimen of quartz with mica Source: BGR

In this project, pegmatite minerals and construction materials were selected for investigation from a wide range of non-metallic minerals. Pegmatites are coarse-grained igneous rocks, largely composed of feldspar, mica and quartz. They may also include tin, tantalum and lithium minerals. Based on analyses to be carried out by the project, the aim is to determine the possible uses of the minerals contained in the pegmatites. Potential uses of feldspar and quartz include the production of high-quality ceramics and glass. Like feldspar, lithium minerals can also be used for making glass. Both lithium minerals and feldspar will be studied with regard to use for glass production. The project will investigate construction materials, as these can be used by the local population and businesses to expand infrastructure (e. g. extension of the Walvis Bay deep-water port).                                                                                                                      

These investigations will lead to three value-addition studies on feldspar and lithium minerals, and the end product glass, which can be submitted to potential investors to serve as a decision-making basis for investment in local value addition.

The project will also produce thematic maps that show deposits of selected non-metallic minerals with regards to their economic geology, quality and quantity.

This will be accompanied by training courses in the economic evaluation of mineral deposits. These will enable GSN personnel to assess the use and market potential of non-metallic minerals.

Project contributions:

• Namibia - Sustainable use of the mineral resource potential: Data management
• TC Project Namibia - Sustainable use of the mineral resource potential II

Partner:

Ministry of Mining and Energy (MME), Geological Survey of Namibia