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June 2026
The Namibian
Chamber chief executive Fabian Shaanikasaysmining sector is highly exposed to fuel price movements because fuel is critical input
Source
“"The mining sector is highly exposed to fuel price movements because fuel is a critical input across the mining value chain, from exploration and haulage to logistics and transport," chamber chief executive Fabian Shaanika says.”
Fabian Shaanikasaysmining industry cannot operate in isolation and must integrate with agriculture, energy, water planning
Source
“Namibia's mining industry cannot operate in isolation and must be integrated with agriculture, energy and water planning, new Chamber of Mines chief executive Fabian Shaanika says.”
Fabian ShaanikadescribedNamibia's situation with global demand for critical raw materials as a blessing
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“When asked about the global demand for critical raw materials and Namibia's desire to capitalise on that demand, Shaanika describes the situation Namibia is in as a "blessing".”
Fabian Shaanikawas appointedChief Executive Officer of Chamber of Mines of Namibia, effective 1 May 2026
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“THE Chamber of Mines of Namibia has appointed experienced geologist and investment banking professional Fabian Shaanika as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 May 2026, marking a leadership transition aimed at strengthening advocacy and supporting the country's mining sector growth.”
Fabian ShaanikaholdsMaster of Business Administration from University of Stellenbosch Business School
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“Shaanika holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Stellenbosch Business School and has completed executive education programmes at Imperial College Business School and London Business School.”
A senior U.S. delegation led by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Nick Checker concluded a four-day visit to Namibia from 11–14 June 2026 to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in trade, investment, energy, mining and logistics. Discussions with Namibian government officials and business leaders focused on deepening commercial ties and attracting investment in sectors including critical minerals and logistics.
A senior U.S. delegation led by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Nick Checker concluded a four-day visit to Namibia from 11–14 June 2026 to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in trade, investment, energy, mining and logistics. Discussions with Namibian government officials and business leaders focused on deepening commercial ties and attracting investment in sectors including critical minerals and logistics.
The Chamber of Mines of Namibia notes that rising fuel prices are increasing cost pressures for the mining sector, with diesel and petrol prices rising by N$4.63 and N$1.40 per litre respectively. Despite strong uranium and gold prices, higher transport costs are creating a more challenging operating environment.
The Chamber of Mines of Namibia reports that rising fuel prices are increasing cost pressures for the mining sector, with diesel prices up N$4.63 per litre and transport inflation reaching 11.5% year-on-year as of May 2026. The sector remains cautiously optimistic due to strong uranium and gold prices, but faces a more challenging operating environment as higher fuel and transport costs weigh on competitiveness.
High fuel prices since March have increased production costs for Namibian mining, with transport inflation up 11.5% year-on-year, putting particular pressure on diamond mining and smaller operations, though some mines like Husab have switched to alternative energy solutions.
Chamber of Mines chief executive Fabian Shaanika says Namibia's mining industry cannot operate in isolation and must be integrated with agriculture, energy and water planning, citing a "mining-energy-agriculture nexus" and the need to balance competing demands for land, water, energy and infrastructure.
The Chamber of Mines of Namibia has appointed geologist and investment banking professional Fabian Shaanika as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 May 2026, succeeding retired CEO Veston Malango who led the organization for two decades. Shaanika brings nearly 20 years of mining sector experience across exploration, project development, financing, and production, including recent roles at Kelp Blue and senior positions at Rand Merchant Bank and Standard Bank Namibia.
Fabian Shaanika, former managing director of Kelp Blue, has been appointed chief executive officer of the Chamber of Mines of Namibia, effective 1 May 2026. He brings experience from mining and resources roles at Namdeb, Vedanta's Skorpion Zinc Mine, Debmarine Namibia, and Rand Merchant Bank Namibia.
The Chamber of Mines of Namibia has appointed Fabian Shaanika, formerly managing director of kelp farming company Kelp Blue, as its new chief executive effective 1 May. Shaanika, a registered geologist with MBA and experience at Rand Merchant Bank, Standard Bank, Namdeb, Skorpion Zinc Mine and Debmarine Namibia, replaces Veston Malango, who retires after 20 years leading the chamber.
Green Metals Refining has appointed seasoned mining and banking executive Fabian Shaanika to the board of its Namibian subsidiary Kudu Chemicals, which is developing a sulphuric acid plant at Walvis Bay for battery-grade manganese chemical production.