More job prospects as mine resumes operation
It is expected that the resumption of operations at Namdeb’s Elizabeth Bay Mine could significantly boost the local economy, with the mine’s reopening set to create employment opportunities as from next year.
Tony Bessinger, mine manager of Namdeb northern coastal operations, said that up to 250 workers are predicted to be employed at the mine as from 2012 onwards. This figure includes all contractors on site.
“We are also working on turning Elizabeth Bay Mine into the employment destination of choice in order to attract skilled employees. Employee value proposition is important to us and we will find innovative ways to synergise the needs of employees and that of the business,” said Bessinger.
According to Bessinger, the company’s management has been working closely with important stakeholders in an attempt to get their commitment in achieving its goals in a sustainable and responsible manner.
“At Elizabeth Bay Mine, labour relations are definitely positive and improving consequently. The management team at the mine is dynamic and open-minded and is constantly looking for opportunities to improve the business ensuring a sustainable future,” he said.
It is expected that the reopening of the mine will generate profits and earnings in tax revenue and hundreds of jobs for the region.
Meanwhile, the mine has also embarked upon small mining operations in the Shallow Marine managed by the Namdeb Luderitz office, whereby products from the small driver-assisted operators are treated at the contractors treatment facility. The operation seeks to support entrepreneurial initiatives in the area.
“This state of the art facility extract diamonds in a cost effective and efficient manner and provides opportunities for entrepreneurs to operate and expand in this part of our business. We are keen to get more players involved ensuring that Shallow Marine operations play a much more meaningful role in the local economy. Namdeb has also assisted with the creation and operation of a diving school in Luderitz,” Bessinger added.
Community development will also take centre stage. “As an important stakeholder in Luderitz, Namdeb has a keen interest in community development and makes a contribution in this regard as well. We continually invest in projects in Luderitz,” he said.
Elizabeth Bay Mine is set to resume operations in January next year. Mining optimisation exercises are currently being run at the mine to ensure that operations start in January 2012.
The mine, which is located south of Luderitz, had temporarily shut down its operations for about two years.
James Alexander, geologist at the mine, said it is estimated that there are about 2.7million carats at the mine.
The mine is currently commissioning the new process plant sections and plans to mine just over 300 000 carats in 2012.
The Elizabeth Bay Mine reached similar levels of production before, achieving about 340 000 carats in 2007. Namdeb currently holds seven diamond mining licences covering both land and sea areas on and adjacent to the southern coast of Namibia.
The Elizabeth Bay Mine Optimisation Study was initiated in September 2009 as part of efforts to determine and develop the optimal mining and treatment solution for both the current resource and the southern resource below the accreted beach.
