Corporate social responsibility, mining and sustainable development in Namibia: Critical reflections through a relational lens

Figures & data

Table 1: Case-study descriptions

Case study	Description	Key elements of CSR engagement
Namdeb	Location: Sperrgebiet and Oranjemund Karas Region	Namdeb Foundation established in 2010, amalgamation of previous arrangements (Chairman's Fund during CDM period, then the Namdeb Social Fund, Namdeb Employees Social Responsibility Fund, Oshipe Development Fund); OSHAS18001 safety certification; environmental clearance certificates; affirmative action plan approved; peer educator and wellness programmes; Namibian government 50% shareholding. De Beers Marine Namibia also has OHSAS 18001 and ISO14001 accreditation, approved affirmative action plan, engages in philanthropy; government shareholding
	Background: 1994 joint venture of De Beers and Government of Namibia, prior to that Consolidated Diamond Mines (CDM) that has operated in Namibia since the 1920s
Skorpion Zinc Mine	Location: Rosh Pinah, Karas Region	Previous owners Anglo American continue to provide social investment through the Anglo American Namibia Foundation established in 2009, prior to that more ad hoc support. Substantial investment in community infrastructure during Anglo period (e.g. pre-primary school, clinic, sports field). Current owners Vedanta have: ISO14001 accreditation; OHSAS 18001 health and safety accreditation; approved affirmative action plan; provided bursaries and ad hoc community investment and through the global Vedanta Foundation; peer educator and wellness programmes
	Background: Construction began in 1999, operations commenced in 2001. Originally owned by Anglo-American, and from 2010 by Vedanta Resources Plc
Rössing Uranium	Location: Arandis, Erongo Region	Historic industry leader in community development through the Rössing Foundation and wider philanthropy. Focus on education and small business development in host communities and northern regions. Interventions to foster sustainability of the Arandis community in partnership with local government. Approved affirmative action plan; integrated Health, Safety and Environment Management system; Bursaries and support for Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology; peer educator and wellness programmes
	Background: 1976, uranium mining operation in which the Rio Tinto Group is the majority shareholder
Rosh Pinah Zinc	Location: Rosh Pinah, Karas Region	OHSAS 18001 health and safety and ISO 14001 HSE accreditation. Approval of affirmative action plan. More ad hoc community development activity and investment in Rosh Pinah township. Peer educator and wellness programmes
	Background: mine constructed in 1969 with Rosh Pinah established as a company town. Varied historic ownership including Incor, Kumba Resources, Exxaro Resources and Glencore Xstrata plc

Table 2: History of mining in Namibia

Year	Some key developments in mining in Namibia
–	Small scale pre-colonial mining activity
1905	Tsumeb founded by German colonial authority and copper mining commences under the auspices of Otavi-Minen-und-Eisenbahngesellscraft [O.M.E.G] Company
1908	Diamonds discovered on south-west coast, precipitates diamond rush. Soon afterwards, town of Kolmanskop established
1908	Regulations enacted and diamond area declared Sperrgebiet (‘Forbidden territory’)
1920	Diamond operators merge and Consolidated Diamond Mines (CDM) formed
1923	CDM granted exclusive rights for the Sperrgebiet
1936	Oranjemund diamond town established
1954	Kolmanskop diamond town abandoned
1969	Rosh Pinah mine built and Rosh Pinah township established
1969	Founding of the Chamber of Mines Namibia, then the Association of Mining Companies of South West Africa
1976	Rössing Uranium mine established and Arandis township created
1978	Rössing Foundation created
1985	Navachab gold mine begins production
1988	Okorusu Fluorspar mine begins production
1990	Namibia gains its independence from South Africa
1992	Minerals (Mining and prospecting) Act passed
1994	Formation of Namdeb (joint ownership Government and De Beers)
1994	Proclamation of Arandis and handover to state
1996	Minerals Development Fund of Namibia Act passed
1998	Liquidation of Tsumeb Corporation Ltd. With significant impacts on local economy and workforce.
1999	Diamond Act passed
2001	Skorpion Zinc Mine opens in vicinity of Rosh Pinah
2001	De Beers Marine Namibia formed (joint ownership Government and De Beers)
2003	First release of Minerals Policy of Namibia (Ministry of Mines and Energy)
2007	Langer Heinrich Uranium mine begins production
2007	Passing of Environmental Management Act
2008	Epangelo Mining Company (Pty) Ltd established as state vehicle for investment in Namibia's mining industry (e.g. joint ventures)
2008	Minerals Amendment Act passed relating to mining royalties
2010	Namdeb Foundation formed
2011	Oranjemund company town proclaimed a local authority
2011	New Equitable Economic Empowerment Framework released
2013	Areva Trekkopje uranium mine mothballed owing to global downward trend in uranium prices.
2015?	Projected completion date of the Husab uranium mine