Mineral export ban seeks to capitalise on the rising global demand for critical minerals used in clean energy.
The Government of Namibia (NA) announced on Thursday that it has instituted a ban on the export of unprocessed critical minerals, such as lithium (Li), in an effort to capitalize on the growing global demand for metals used in the production of clean energy technologies.
The southern African nation of Namibia is home to significant lithium reserves, which are an absolute necessity for the warehousing of renewable energy. In addition, the country is rich in rare earth minerals such as dysprosium and terbium, which are required to manufacture permanent magnets for use in electric vehicle batteries and wind turbines.
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Namibia: The mineral export ban
According to a statement released by NA’s Ministry of Information, the Cabinet has approved a ban on certain critical minerals. These resources include unprocessed crushed lithium ore, cobalt, manganese, graphite, and rare earth minerals. The statement went on to explain that the export of only a restricted quantity of these minerals would be allowed and that this permission would be subject to the approval of the minister of mines.
Historically, the country has been recognized as a leading global producer of both uranium and diamonds of exceptionally high quality. But as the world moves away from polluting energy sources and towards renewable alternatives, there has been a rise in interest in the battery metals that it produces. In order to lessen the European Union’s reliance on China as a source of critical resources, NA reached an agreement with the EU to supply rare earth minerals in the past year. The agreement was a part of the EU’s overall strategy.
Within the borders of the country are the offices of a number of different companies, including Prospect Resources, Arcadia Minerals, Askari Metals, Celsius Resources, and Namibia Critical Metals. Zimbabwe, another country in Africa that produces Li, enacted a ban on the export of Li ore in December of the previous year and now only allows the shipment of concentrates. Zimbabwe has communicated its intention to encourage Li miners in the country to concentrate on producing battery-grade Li domestically, and the country may in the future impose export taxes on Li concentrate. This intention comes after Zimbabwe expressed its intention to impose such tariffs.
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About the country
- Located in Southern Africa
- Rich in natural resources
- Has a population of 2.4 million people
- Covers an area of approximately 825,615 square kilometers (318,772 square miles), making it the 34th largest country in the world.
Overview of the Export Ban
- Aimed to protect the domestic market
- Restricts the export of certain minerals
Affected Minerals
- Diamonds
- Uranium
- Zinc
- Copper
- Lead
- Silver
- Lithium
Criteria for Exemption
- Mineral must be processed within the country
- Revenue generated must be reinvested in the country
- Minerals must meet certain export standards
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Benefits of the Export Ban
- Increased domestic production
- Stimulated local industries
- Generated additional tax revenue
‘A Country with a Rich Variety of People and Growing Potential’
The country is located on the southwestern coast of Africa. It has a lot of land and a lot of history. It has a population of about 2.53 million people and a population density of 3.069 people per square kilometer. It is known for its many different communities and beautiful natural features.
The average number of years a man can expect to live is 55.7, while the average number of years a woman can expect to live is 63.0.
Births and deaths
The country has 27.4 births for every 1,000 people and 10.7 deaths for every 1,000 people. These numbers show how the population is always changing, showing both growth and the problems that come with keeping a healthy balance.
The breakdown of Namibia’s population shows that women make up 51.7% of the population, while men make up 48.3%. This distribution of men and women shows how different the country’s population and society are.
Weather
As for the weather, Namibia has a tropical climate, like other countries near the equator. Because of where the country is, it has a unique mix of weather patterns, such as dry areas, coastal influences, and different temperatures at different times of the year.
Trade agreements and alliances
Namibia takes an active role in regional and global trade agreements. Namibia benefits from economic cooperation and trade partnerships in the area because it is part of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). These agreements help the economy grow and make it easier for goods and services to move around.
On a larger scale, Namibia has made deals with a number of international groups. The country is a part of the African Union, which encourages cooperation and growth across the continent. Namibia is also a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, which is a group of countries that want peace, independence, and sovereignty. The country is also a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, a group of different nations that work together to promote democracy, human rights, and economic growth.
Namibia’s membership in the United Nations (UN), UNESCO, and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) shows that it wants to work with other countries. These organizations give Namibia a place to work on diplomatic issues, preserve culture, and work together on economic issues. This lets Namibia take an active role in making global policies and initiatives.
Language and Culture
The country’s multicultural linguistic landscape shows. 48.9% of Namibians say they speak Ovambo. Other prominent languages include Nama (11.3%), Afrikaans (10.4%), Herero (8.6%), and Kavango (8.5%). Its multicultural history and diverse languages reflect this.
The Christian population sits at 85%. Native religions make up 14% of the country’s spirituality. 1% are other religions.
Economy
The economy is strong. GDP $12.31 billion. It relies on exports worth 3,953.1 million dollars. Mining, agriculture, and manufacturing drive exports.
It imports $6,055.2 million. These imports supply goods and services to various industries and consumers. Namibia’s economic interdependence shows its global market participation.
Tourism earns 155.00 million dollars in the nation. Tourism boosts the economy and creates jobs due to the country’s natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and cultural heritage.
Debt and unemployment plague the country. 20.9% unemployment underscores the need for job creation and economic empowerment.
Conclusion
The southern African nation wants to take advantage of the important minerals found in its soils. The country produces a variety of minerals, including diamonds, uranium, zinc, copper, lead, and other important minerals.
