In conversation with
Lauren Davidson:
waiting for the tide to turn
Namibia offers potential investors in the
mining sector a range of opportunities, says
Lauren Davidson, economist at the Namibian
Chamber of Mines.
By Leon Louw
Lauren, the Namibian Chamber of Mines was established in
1969. Tell us more about the organisation.
The organisation has evolved from a one-man team to one
that currently consists of seven staff members. The Chamber
was established not only to protect, encourage, and promote
the mining sector on behalf of its stakeholders and members,
but also to benefit and protect Namibian communities. One
of our primary roles is to act as an intermediary between the
government and the private sector.
We represent the industry on various issues but are mostly
concerned with ensuring that the regulatory and policy
environment is conducive for investment in the mining
sector. One of the Chamber’s other goals is to make sure
that the mining industry continues expanding. On the
other hand, we also have to ensure that development takes
place according to best practise and that it benefits the
local economy. Our subcommittees deal with issues such
as health and safety management. Likewise, we have an
exploration committee, human resource committee, and
more recently, we have established a committee dealing
with the environmental issues and management thereof.
Lauren Davidson, economist at the Namibian Chamber of Mines.
www.africanmining.co.za
Which companies does the Chamber represent?
We represent all of the major operations in Namibia. These
fall under class A members. The Class B category consists of
medium-sized operating mines and companies, and Class C,
the smaller companies. The Class D category caters specifically
for exploration companies, while Associate members are
mostly made up of service providers to the industry.
MARCH - APRIL 2019 AFRICAN MINING
15