Despite the challenges companies are confronted with when mining in Namibia, the country’s rich supply of mineral resources and positive government attitude make it a popular destination for investors, says international engineering company AMEC Minproc African operations MD Colin Kubank.

“Namibia is expected to remain an attractive destination for mining investment as a consequence of its mineral resources, political stability and government, which is keen to develop its mining potential. Consequently, AMEC Minproc sees a bright future for the Namibian mining industry and our opportunity to participate in it,” explains Kubank.

The company has completed several studies 
and projects for mining operations in Namibia, particularly related to uranium, and is currently pursuing new development opportunities in the country. AMEC Minproc is also looking for feasibility study and project delivery opportunities in gold and base 
metals, having been involved in gold and base-metals projects in the past.

Some of the challenges when mining in Namibia include poor infrastructure, particularly in terms of water and power supply. These resources are poorly developed in much of the country. The provision of these services to projects in Namibia is a major 
obstacle. The exact location of the mineral 
deposit and road access can also create 
issues. Thus, companies are faced with the challenge of constructing this supporting 
infrastructure when developing mining projects in the country.

Projects that AMEC Minproc has com-
pleted in Namibia include the Langer Heinrich project for uranium production company Paladin Energy.

“We completed the definitive feasibility study for the project in 2005 and, immediately following this, Paladin awarded us the engineering, procurement and construction management contract for the uranium ore processing facilities and associated infrastructure. The project was commissioned in early 2007,” explains Kubank.

The company is currently completing a feasibility study on the Rossing South uranium 
project for mineral exploration company Extract Resources in Namibia.

AMEC Minproc provides services for 
either feasibility studies or executable projects to resource development companies looking to exploit their mineral deposits in Namibia. It is able to provide engineering and consulting services over the entire mining value chain, including geology and resource estimation, mining engineering services, mine design and scheduling, geotechnical engineering, mineral processing technology selection and process plant design, tailings disposal and environmental studies.

AMEC Minproc was formed in November, 2009, when international engineering and project management company AMEC 
acquired Australian engineering services provider Minproc. The company says that bringing the two companies together establishes a high-quality global mining business that will seamlessly and consistently deliver projects for customers.

AMEC Minproc has completed more than 400 feasibility studies and over 240 design and construction-related mineral resources development projects in over 37 countries.

In adition, AMEC is a focused supplier of high-value consultancy, engineering and project management services to the world’s natural resources, nuclear, clean energy, water and environmental sectors.

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