Namibia Minute.
Tuesday, 6 October 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Tuesday, 6 October 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Namdeb

Also known as: Namdeb Holdings · Namdeb Diamond Corporation · diamond mining company Namdeb · Namibia De Beers · Namdeb Mine

Namdeb Diamond Corporation — operates Namibia's Southern Coastal Mine in Oranjemund and discovered a 176-carat diamond in May 2026, the country's largest in two decades.

2022-10-122026-10-06
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What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. October 2026

  2. Windhoek Observer

    Namdeb was permitted to pay 50% of applicable diamond royalties between 2021 and 2025

    Source

    “Under Section 116 of the Minerals (Prospecting and Mining) Act, Namdeb was permitted to pay 50% of its applicable diamond royalties between 2021 and 2025.”

    Diamond Valuation Fund increased its cash holdings to N$132.3 million

  3. The Namibian

    Namdeb refused to recognise Laina Festus as branch chairperson

    Source

    “Reading the petition on behalf of the group, MUN Namdeb branch secretary for information Nestor Shimuteikeni argues that the company has not challenged the election itself but continues to refuse to recognise Festus, who was subsequently elected to lead the branch.”

    Mineworkers union demands Namdeb recognise elected chairperson

  4. The Namibian

    Namdeb withdrew Festus's recognition as part-time shop steward

    Source

    “"Namdeb's withdrawal of Festus's recognition as a part-time shop steward cannot automatically disqualify her from serving as branch chairperson, as the two positions are separately regulated under the recognition and procedural agreement," he says.”

    Mineworkers union demands Namdeb recognise elected chairperson

  5. New Era

    Namdeb Diamond Corporation discovered 176.29-carat diamond at Southern Coastal Mine

    Source

    “A 176.29-carat diamond discovered at Namdeb Diamond Corporation's (Namdeb) Southern Coastal Mine has become Namibia's biggest diamond find in two decades, giving fresh hope to an industry battling weak global demand and growing competition from laboratory-grown diamonds.”

    Biggest gem in 20 years boosts hope

  6. The Namibian

    Namdeb unveiled a 176.29-carat natural diamond, the largest recovered at its Southern Coastal Mine in two decades

    Source

    “Namdeb has unveiled a 176.29-carat natural diamond, the largest stone of its kind recovered at its Southern Coastal Mine at Oranjemund in the past two decades.”

    Namdeb unveils biggest diamond find in two decades

  7. Windhoek Observer

    Namdeb discovered 176.29-carat diamond named 'Owishi' at Southern Coastal Mine

    Source

    “The 176.29-carat diamond named "Owishi" discovered by Namdeb at its Southern Coastal Mine in Oranjemund is the biggest diamond discovered in Namibia in 20 years.”

    Rare honey inspires name for Namdeb’s 176-carat diamond
  8. September 2026

  9. Informanté

    Namdeb recovered 176.29-carat 'Owishi' diamond at Southern Coastal Mine

    Source

    “PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has unveiled the 176.29-carat "Owishi" diamond recovered by Namdeb at its Southern Coastal Mine in Oranjemund, describing the discovery as a source of national pride and an opportunity to strengthen Namibia's position in the global natural diamond market while increasing local value from the resource.”

    President unveils rare 176-carat diamond recovered in Oranjemund

  10. New Era

    Namdeb allegedly withheld important technical and environmental reports from the fisheries ministry

    Source

    “Namdeb further alleges that important technical and environmental reports were not provided to Zaamwani's ministry for review and comment.”

    Minister tears into Environmental Commissioner
  11. August 2026

  12. Informanté

    Namdeb has old, dilapidated and not maintained mine network

    Source

    “Mine networks are well looked after, except for the Namdeb mine network, which is old, dilapidated and not maintained.”

    Namibia’s electricity infrastructure in good condition, says ECB

  13. The Namibian

    Namdeb accounted for more than half of all mining sector problems due to ageing equipment and insufficient maintenance

    Source

    “"Namdeb was the main exception, accounting for more than half of all the problems found in the mining sector because of ageing equipment and too little maintenance," Ashipala said.”

    Regional electricity distributors outperform councils
Mining & Energy

IPC shadow minister demands parliament briefing on De Beers sale

The News

IPC shadow minister Rodney Cloete is demanding that the government explain Namibia's position on the proposed sale of De Beers, citing Botswana's parliament being informed while Namibia's has not been. Cloete questions whether Namibia was approached to join the Global Diamond Consortium bidding for Anglo American's 85% stake, and seeks clarity on the diamond sales agreement with De Beers that expired in May.

9 hours ago · The Namibian →

Yesterday

  1. IPC shadow minister demands parliament briefing on De Beers sale

    IPC shadow minister Rodney Cloete is demanding that the government explain Namibia's position on the proposed sale of De Beers, citing Botswana's parliament being informed while Namibia's has not been. Cloete questions whether Namibia was approached to join the Global Diamond Consortium bidding for Anglo American's 85% stake, and seeks clarity on the diamond sales agreement with De Beers that expired in May.

    9 hours ago · The Namibian →

  2. Parliamentary committee flags labour concerns at five mining regions

    A Parliamentary Standing Committee has raised concerns over outsourcing, job insecurity, occupational safety, retrenchments and inadequate worker benefits following oversight visits to mining operations in Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Erongo, //Kharas and Khomas regions, and recommends strict monitoring of subcontractors.

    15 hours ago · New Era →

  3. Diamond Valuation Fund cash holdings rose to N$132.3 million

    The Diamond Valuation Fund increased its cash holdings by N$39.5 million to N$132.3 million in 2024, despite a revenue decline to N$109.7 million from N$145.2 million, attributed mainly to fluctuations in levies from entities including Namdeb Holdings. The Auditor-General issued a qualified audit opinion citing accounting and compliance shortcomings, including the fund's failure to disclose a royalty relief arrangement granted to Namdeb under the Minerals Act.

    18 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

Saturday 3 October

  1. Mineworkers union demands Namdeb recognise elected chairperson

    Namdeb branch members of the Mineworkers Union of Namibia staged a demonstration demanding that the company recognise their newly elected branch chairperson, Laina Festus, who secured 510 votes in elections held from 18 to 31 August. The union argues that Namdeb's withdrawal of Festus's recognition as a part-time shop steward does not disqualify her from serving as branch chairperson, and is challenging allegations of misconduct against her that remain before the Office of the Labour Commissioner.

    3 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 2 October

  1. 176-carat diamond discovered at Namdeb's Southern Coastal Mine

    Namdeb Diamond Corporation's Southern Coastal Mine in Oranjemund discovered a 176.29-carat diamond, Namibia's largest in two decades, officially unveiled by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. The find offers hope to the industry as it faces pressure from weak global demand and growing competition from laboratory-grown diamonds.

    2 October 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 1 October

  1. Namdeb recovers largest diamond in two decades

    Namdeb has unveiled a 176.29-carat natural diamond, the largest stone recovered at its Southern Coastal Mine in Oranjemund in the past two decades. The diamond was recovered on 10 May and officially unveiled in Windhoek on Thursday.

    1 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namdeb discovers largest Namibian diamond in 20 years

    Namdeb discovered a 176.29-carat diamond named "Owishi" at its Southern Coastal Mine in Oranjemund in May, which President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah unveiled at a ceremony in Windhoek. According to diamond industry estimates, the rough diamond could fetch between US$5 million and over US$25 million at current market prices.

    1 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 30 September

  1. President unveils 176-carat diamond found in Oranjemund

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has unveiled a 176.29-carat diamond named "Owishi" recovered by Namdeb at the Southern Coastal Mine in Oranjemund on 10 May 2026, the largest of its kind recovered there in two decades. The President described the discovery as reinforcing Namibia's position as a producer of high-quality gem-grade natural diamonds in a global market facing competition from laboratory-grown alternatives.

    30 September 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 28 September

  1. Skeleton Basin appoints Mertens as board chairman

    Skeleton Basin Investments Limited has appointed three independent non-executive directors, including Debmarine Namibia chief executive officer Willy Mertens as chairman of the board, effective 25 September 2026.

    28 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 16 September

  1. Fisheries minister challenges environmental commissioner's marine phosphate approval

    Fisheries Minister Inge Zaamwani is demanding the revocation of an Environment Clearance Certificate issued by environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti to Namibian Marine Phosphate for its Sandpiper Marine Phosphate project off Namibia's west coast, arguing that Mufeti failed to properly consult her ministry before granting the approval on 5 August 2026.

    16 September 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 25 August

  1. ECB says Namibia's electricity network overall satisfactory

    The Electricity Control Board reports that Namibia's high-voltage backbone operated by NamPower is well maintained and reliable, but distribution networks delivering power to homes and businesses need improvement, according to findings in the 2024/2025 National Electricity Infrastructure Status Report.

    25 August 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Regional electricity distributors outperform councils in network management

    The Electricity Control Board's 2024/25 infrastructure report finds that regional electricity distributors run electricity distribution networks better than local and regional councils, with concerns identified particularly in areas where councils manage distribution rather than dedicated companies.

    25 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. ECB threatens to revoke electricity licences from underperforming councils

    The Electricity Control Board has warned it will revoke electricity distribution licences from underperforming municipalities and regional councils and transfer networks to operators with proven capacity, following an audit that found widespread non-compliance across Namibia's power infrastructure. The audit of nine distribution licensees found most networks rated poor due to inadequate safety code implementation and substandard maintenance, with ||Kharas, Hardap, and Omaheke regions carrying the highest compliance risk.

    25 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. ECB audit rates most regional electricity infrastructure poor

    An Electricity Control Board audit of Namibia's electricity distribution infrastructure found that most regions have poor infrastructure, with //Kharas, Hardap and Omaheke facing high risk of continued non-compliance. Only Khomas and Otjozondjupa regions were classified as satisfactory.

    25 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 18 August

  1. US delegation explores deeper energy and minerals partnership with Namibia

    A US delegation led by Ambassador John Giordano, including officials from the State Department's energy and trade agencies, held high-level meetings with Namibian government officials and industry leaders to expand cooperation in energy security, critical minerals, infrastructure, and emerging technologies. The delegation also represented the US at the Namibian Mining Expo and met with the Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy to discuss opportunities in these sectors.

    18 August 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 10 August

  1. Diamond sector shows recovery signs as market splits

    Namdeb's chief executive says the diamond market is showing first signs of recovery, with lab-grown diamonds hitting their ceiling and buyers at the top end turning toward natural stones. The Rapaport Diamond Report shows diamond prices stabilized in July after months of decline, with demand expected to benefit larger stones, of which over 80% of Namdeb's revenue derives.

    10 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 31 July

  1. Namdeb hosts first career fair in remote //Kharas region

    Namdeb held a two-day career fair on 17–18 July in Oranjemund to expose //Kharas learners to career pathways and professionals, addressing limited access to career guidance in remote areas. The event, organised with the //Kharas Regional Council and five local schools, focused on STEAM fields.

    31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. De Beers sale advances as Anglo American cuts costs amid diamond weakness

    Anglo American is advancing its sale process for De Beers while implementing cost-cutting measures in response to weak global diamond market conditions. MoneyWeb reports discussions on a deal valued at about US$1 billion, a steep decline from the company's earlier carrying value of US$2.3 billion after three impairments in three years.

    31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Mining has built Namibia's economy; next phase could yield more value

    Namibia's mining sector, from ancient copper extraction to modern diamonds and uranium, contributes approximately 13–14% of GDP and generates more than 60% of export earnings in many years. The article questions whether Namibia has captured the full value of its mineral wealth over more than a century of industrial mining.

    31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 30 July

  1. Economist urges Namibia to exit De Beers, sell diamonds independently

    Economist Robin Sherbourne has advised Namibia to buy out its stake in Namdeb and sell its high-quality natural diamonds independently of the De Beers system, arguing that Namibia's 95% gem-quality diamonds may be undervalued when aggregated with lower-quality diamonds globally.

    30 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 24 July

  1. Namibia's Q2 diamond production reaches 531,000 carats

    Namibia's rough diamond production remained stable at 531,000 carats in the second quarter, as higher-grade mining at Namdeb offset operational disruptions at Debmarine Namibia, according to Anglo American's production report.

    24 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 13 July

  1. Namdeb seeks taxation of legal costs in rental dispute

    Namdeb Diamond Corporation is pursuing the taxation stage of a legal dispute with former tenant Nadia Elizabeth Van Rooyen over a residential property in Oranjemund, with the High Court set to determine legal costs on 13 July. Namdeb initiated proceedings in 2023 seeking cancellation of the lease, payment of N$83,844.48 in outstanding rental, interest, eviction, and legal costs.

    13 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 1 July

  1. Anglo American's Namibia contribution falls 21% to N$7.11bn

    Anglo American PLC reported that its total tax and economic contribution in Namibia fell 21% to US$432 million (N$7.11 billion) in 2025, compared with US$545 million (N$8.97 billion) in 2024, with declines across wages, procurement, capital expenditure, and tax contributions.

    1 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Sunday 21 June

  1. Mineworkers' union investment empire faces transparency and benefit questions

    Namibia's Mineworkers' Union of Namibia channels members' dues through Namibia Miners Investment Trust (Namit) and Nam-Mic Holdings, which have grown into a N$900-million portfolio with stakes in banks, mines, hotels and other sectors. Members and their representatives say they have seen little benefit from their decades of contributions and allege lack of transparency and financial irregularities.

    21 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 19 June

  1. De Beers CEO: diamond sale could conclude within weeks

    De Beers CEO Al Cook says the company's sale could be completed within weeks, with governments including Namibia, Botswana and Angola, and industry investors expressing interest in acquiring stakes. Cook envisions the company's future as a public-private partnership combining governments and private investors.

    19 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 11 June

  1. Namibia considers up to N$3bn stake in diamond firm De Beers

    The government is considering spending up to N$3 billion to buy a stake in De Beers, reportedly partnering with Angola and Botswana, which already hold 15% of the diamond company. The deal follows Anglo American's decision to exit De Beers and sell its 85% stake, with De Beers' valuation dropping significantly from N$65.7 billion to N$6.9 billion.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 5 June

  1. Protected habitat maintains stable brown hyena population

    Brown hyenas in Tsau //Khaeb National Park have remained stable since 1997 with an estimated 200 to 300 individuals in the park, benefiting from successful breeding and low human disturbance. The Brown Hyena Research Project, supported by Namdeb and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, studies the species' movements and warns that fences and busy roads could disrupt their long-distance coastal travels and threaten the population.

    5 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. De Beers launches Desert Diamonds campaign to promote natural diamonds

    De Beers Group has intensified efforts to boost demand for natural diamonds through a new phase of its global 'Desert Diamonds' marketing campaign, aiming to distinguish natural stones from synthetic alternatives and capitalize on growing consumer interest. Namibia produced 556,000 carats in the first quarter ending 31 March 2026, and diamonds remain critical to the country's economy.

    5 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 12 May

  1. Natural resources create choices, not automatic prosperity

    The Namibian publishes an opinion piece arguing that as Namibia approaches major oil and gas production, history—including Iran's experience and Namibia's own resource management of fisheries, diamonds, and uranium—shows that natural resources must be strategically managed to avoid pitfalls like price dependency, reduced transparency, and lagging non-energy growth.

    12 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 9 May

  1. Fabian Shaanika appointed Chamber of Mines CEO from May 2026

    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.

    9 May 2026 · Informanté →

Namdeb — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute