Sinomine’s germanium plant to usher in 1 600 jobs

**Max Henrich **

ONGWEDIVA – Sinomine Group has started construction of Namibia’s first-ever germanium plant, with between 1 400 and 1 600 jobs expected to be created at the peak of construction.

The development forms part of the company’s N$4 billion Phase 2 expansion, which is scheduled for completion by the end of this year, with operations expected to commence next year.

Sinomine Executive Vice President Barcelona Tsauses said that the company is prioritising local employment and skills transfer, particularly for young Namibians.

“We are prioritising local employment and skills transfer, particularly for young Namibians,” Tsauses said.

She said that Sinomine is collaborating with the University of Namibia and the Namibia University of Science and Technology to secure skilled workers and upskill existing qualified professionals in the new technologies being introduced through the project.

Once the germanium plant becomes operational, the company plans to increase its permanent workforce from the current 350 employees to approximately 580.

The announcement was made earlier this week during the handover of a N$100 000 donation by Sinomine Community Trust to the Office of the Governor of the Oshikoto region. The donation was received by Governor Sacky Kathindi.

Kathindi welcomed the contribution, stating that it demonstrates the importance of partnerships between Government and the private sector.

“This contribution is more than a financial commitment. It demonstrates your willingness to partner with Government and to contribute towards the development and wellbeing of our communities,” he said.

Kathindi said that meaningful development cannot be achieved by government alone, but requires cooperation between the private sector, development partners, civil society and communities.

Meanwhile, Tsauses said that Sinomine invested N$4.6 million in community development between September 2024 and mid-2025, with much of the funding directed towards education, including information technology equipment for schools in Oshikoto.

“The money was invested in community development because, as a business, we believe that we are not standing alone; we are part of a community and can only thrive if we take hands as a community and as a business,” she said.

She further said that Sinomine also plans to establish a N$3 million agricultural hub in Tsumeb to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for residents unable to participate directly in mining activities.

Kathindi said the Governor’s Office values the partnership and looks forward to strengthening cooperation with Sinomine for the benefit of the people of Oshikoto.

-maxhenrich35@gmail.com

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