….”its time you start to earn your license to operate”
Mines and energy minister, Tom Alweendo has warned investors in the Namibian mining sector that are yet to earn their license to operate.
According to him, these are the ones who have failed to create a mutually beneficial relationship with their stakeholders – be their employees or the communities where they operate from.
“These are the investors that casually violate the rules of the engagement; the ones that do not respect the mineral license conditions pertaining to safety and the environment. To these investors, our message to you is that we are a country governed under the rule of law and it applies to everyone. It is time that you start to earn your license to operate,” Alweendo said at the opening of the 10th mining expo and conference.
On the other hand however, Alweendo commended the good investors in the mining sector saying without the investment in the sector, Namibia will not be talking about the importance of the mining sector.
“I especially want to thank the investors that are operating in a mutually beneficial manner. The ones who have earned their license to operate by providing decent jobs, respecting local community cultures and customs, as well as contributing to the broader advancement of the communities where they operate. I encourage you to do more by, for example to consider introducing employee share schemes where your employees share in the ownership of the company. Among the benefits of employee share schemes is a stronger relationship with employees and that they will be motivated to work diligently in the interest of the company.
“Our message to the investors who have earned their license to operate is that we value your investment and that we are committed to create an environment that is conducive to sustainable investment. We will continue to improve our efficiency and effectiveness with which we manage the mining sector,” he said.
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