In partnership with the World Resources Forum and Namibia’s Ministry of Industries, Mines, and Energy (MIME), the IGF provided technical support during a 4-day capacity-building workshop on the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector, with a special focus on copper mining. The program brought together 40 participants from across the sector, including government officials and ASM operators. ASM regulators contributed by providing ASM operators with in-depth explanations of the regulations, permitting processes, and maintaining regulatory compliance.
The workshop aimed to
- raise awareness of Namibia’s legal frameworks governing mining and ASM, as well as global trends in responsible sourcing;
- build an understanding of the current state of ASM in Namibia, including key opportunities and challenges;
- strengthen knowledge of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, alongside fundamentals in geology, ore extraction and processing, waste and tailings management, mineral trading, and business and financial management of ASM operations; and
- promote responsible mining and business conduct.
The workshop combined theoretical training with practical learning during a site visit, equipping participants with the knowledge and tools needed to improve operations and support more effective governance and responsible practices in the ASM sector.
This initiative is part of AfricaMaVal, an EU-funded project launched in 2022 to foster EU–Africa value chain partnerships that promote the responsible sourcing of critical raw minerals for European industries while supporting sustainable local development through strong ESG standards.