Rössing Uranium marked its 50th Anniversary on Tuesday evening with a strong message of continuity, community partnership and long-term investment, as company executives, regional leaders and stakeholders reflected on the mine’s legacy and future in Namibia.
The milestone celebration, held at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund, brought together government officials, municipal leaders, contractors, community representatives and former employees to commemorate five decades of operations. Rössing Uranium managing director Johan Coetzee described the occasion as more than a celebration of mining. “Tonight, we gather to celebrate an extraordinary moment – 50 years of Rössing Uranium and working for Namibia,” Coetzee said.
He said over the past five decades, the uranium mine has become deeply embedded in the social and economic fabric of the Erongo Region, contributing not only to the mining sector but also to local development through partnerships, employment and community investment.
Special recognition was given to the Louw family, with Coetzee acknowledging Graham Louw as the “founding father” of Rössing, whose family played a pivotal role in the discovery of the ore body that led to the establishment of the mine. Speaking on behalf of Erongo Governor, the Chairperson of Erongo Regional Council, Lazarus Kanelombe praised Rössing for its role in shaping livelihoods across generations. “For the people of the Erongo Region, Rössing is more than a mine. It is a neighbour. It is a partner. It is part of our story,” said Kanelombe.
He highlighted the mine’s contribution to skills development, local procurement and community infrastructure, saying its impact should not only be measured by uranium output, but by the lives it has touched. China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), Rössing’s majority shareholder, reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the mine and Namibia. CNNC Namibia Vice President Yongshun Liang said the company sees Rössing’s future extending far beyond its golden jubilee. “Our vision is clear: we want Rössing not only to celebrate its first 50 years, but also to continue operating responsibly into the next 50 years and beyond,” Liang said. He said CNNC would continue supporting efforts to strengthen Rössing’s resource base, improve safety standards, advance green development and technological innovation, and expand local talent development. Rössing General Manager for Human Capital, Safety and Sustainability Liezl Davies said the anniversary was a collective achievement shared by employees, communities, contractors and government. “We could not have reached this milestone without the values that we carry so dearly, responsibility, excellence, innovation and safety,” she said.
Founded in 1976, Rössing remains one of the world’s longest-operating open-pit uranium mines and a cornerstone of Namibia’s mining sector.
By Sharlien Tjambari
