Namibia's Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy Kornelia Shilunga (2nd R) cuts the ribbon at an official opening of the country's Mining Expo and Conference in Windhoek, Namibia, on Aug. 31, 2022. International and local exhibitors on Wednesday converged at Namibia's first in-person Mining Expo and Conference after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19. (Photo by Musa C Kaseke/Xinhua)
WINDHOEK, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- International and local exhibitors on Wednesday converged at Namibia's first in-person Mining Expo and Conference after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.
The theme of this year's two-day Mining Expo and Conference is "Breaking New Frontiers in a Post-Pandemic Era". The conference will be held on Wednesday and Thursday and will run parallel to the Expo.
Hosting the event, Namibia's Chamber of Commerce President Hilifa Mbako in his welcome remarks said this year's event attracted a huge turnout.
"We have 103 exhibitors occupying 163 stands this year, as compared to 88 exhibitors with 136 booths in 2019. We are showcasing the entire extractive industry, from solid minerals to oil and gas," he said.
"We have lined up a total of 12 presentations to reflect on the industry performance during 2021 and to present the resurgence of mining and exploration in a rapidly improving commodity price environment," Mbako said.
Namibia's Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy Kornelia Shilunga who officially opened the event said the improvement of global commodity prices brings hope to the mining sector.
"The sector should look forward to more exploration activities and mine expansions. This will ultimately lead to more job creation in the sector," she said.
According to the country's central bank, projected improved growth in 2022 is mainly on account of anticipated better performance in the mining industry supported by a buoyant mineral commodity market and a fast-paced operating environment that is evolving with rapid technological advancements being made in the mining sector. ■