The Ministry of Mines and Energy
The Ministry of Mines and Energy was constitutionally established to take custody of Namibia’s diverse geological, mineral and energy resources, and to ensure their contribution to the country’s socio-economic development.
It is Government’s lead agency in attracting private investment in resources exploration and development through the provision of geoscientific information on minerals and energy resources, and management of an equitable and secure titles system for the mining, petroleum and geothermal industries.
It also carries prime responsibility for regulating the extractive industries in the country, including the collection of royalties, and ensuring that safety, health and environmental standards are consistent with the relevant legislation, regulations and policies.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Mines and Energy ensures adequate and affordable energy supply in a sustainable manner taking advantage of Namibia’s natural resources in support of the nation’s socio-economic development.
The Geological Survey of Namibia
The Geological Survey of Namibia (GSN), as custodian of Namibia’s rich endowment of geological resources, facilitates the responsible development and sustainable utilisation of these resources for the benefit of all Namibians.
The GSN is housed at the Ministry of Mines & Energy Building in Windhoek. Together with the sister Directorates of Mining, Energy, Diamond Affairs and Administration & Finance, the GSN plays an important role in the development of Namibia’s mineral and geological resources and in fostering sustainable development with due regard to the environment.
The mission of GSN is to enhance knowledge and awareness of Namibia’s geological resources through scientific investigation as well as application and dissemination of quality research data. GSN enables the search for and the assessment of mineral resources, geological engineering and land use planning, while having due regard to the protection of the environment.
The organisation comprises of two Directorates and six divisions:
Geoscience Council of Namibia
The Geoscience Council of Namibia (GSCNam) was established under the Geosciences Professions Act, 2012 (Act No. 3 of 2012) to serve as a regulatory juristic body for geoscientists in Namibia. The Council strives to:
- Promote the geoscience profession in Namibia.
- Enforce the regulations to ensure that practising geoscientists in Namibia adhere to the Code of Conduct.
The purpose of GSCNam is to ensure that geoscientists, engaged in all areas of geoscience, are fully engaged in the transformation of their profession; a profession that is increasingly relied upon by the public to provide expert opinion and service, and to safe-guard the public interest.
GSCNam is committed to the following objectives:
To provide information that will result in a greater understanding of geoscience professionalism by all geoscience stakeholders;
- To facilitate collaboration between geoscientists operating in all areas of geoscience;
- To encourage rapid conversion of research findings to applied geoscience;
- To encourage greater relevancy in applied geoscience at the university level;
- To increase education in professional skills, including ethics, at the university level;
- To provide recommendation on priority research project design and fund allocation through greater appreciation of societal needs; and
- To provide greater clarity concerning pathways and assessment criteria for geoscience graduates seeking to attain professional qualifications.
The Council is appointed by the Minister of Mines and Energy for a period of one year, and is made up of four Elected Members, one Public Service Representative and Co-opted Members, who are registered geoscientists belonging to any of the geoscience professions. Current members are Anna Nguno (president), Michelle Hailonga, Dr Gabi Schneider (treasurer), Kombada Mhopjeni, Alfeus Moses, Emilia Shiweda, Willem Kotze, Ndawedapo Shaanika, Prof Rob Bowell, Dr Collen-Isai Uahengo, Tulinayo Kanime, and Wilka Embula (secretary)
