WINDHOEK, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's mining sector delivered a strong performance in April 2025, with uranium and gold emerging as the main contributors to export growth, according to the latest update from the Chamber of Mines of Namibia released here on Tuesday.
The monthly mining update shows that uranium production increased by 59 percent year-on-year, driven by growing global demand for clean energy.
According to the report, uranium became the country's top export commodity, generating 2.86 billion Namibian dollars (about 163 million U.S. dollars) in April, or 26 percent of total exports.
"Namibia is cementing its reputation as a strategic supplier of uranium to the world, especially as nuclear energy gains renewed momentum in global energy transition efforts," the report said.
Gold exports also performed well, earning 1.69 billion Namibian dollars and accounting for more than 15 percent of total exports. The report attributes this to historically high gold prices, which averaged 3,309 U.S. dollars per ounce in May 2025, a 41 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Meanwhile, the report states that diamond production declined by 26 percent in April, adding that its share of export earnings fell to 10.5 percent from 12.9 percent a year earlier.
The report notes that the decrease follows planned output reductions by Debmarine Namibia, Namibia's leading marine diamond mining company, aimed at stabilizing global diamond prices. However, the diamond sector continues to face pressure from synthetic alternatives and weaker demand in key Asian markets.
Almost half of Namibia's total export earnings in April came from mining and quarrying exports, which totaled 5.4 billion Namibian dollars.
The chamber reported easing inflationary pressure, with the annual inflation rate falling to 3.5 percent in May 2025, down from 4.9 percent a year earlier, which it says has helped reduce operating costs across the mining industry. ■
