Government officials, labour representatives, and mining industry stakeholders have gathered in Windhoek to discuss ways of promoting decent work in Namibia's mining sector. 
This is amid growing concerns over labour practices, worker welfare, and governance within the industry.

The public dialogue focused on challenges facing mine workers, such as the increasing reliance on short-term contracts and labour hire systems across several mining operations.
National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said the dialogue is to ensure that mining benefits both workers and communities.

"It is observed that while the mining sector is continuing to propel the economic role in the country, it has not really improved the welfare conditions of the people of the European Union or the working conditions of the workers who are the ones optimising these benefits for minerals, profits, and companies. And we are sitting here to look at how we can change that, noting that the fair wages and the fair and just working conditions for employees are not only the right thing to do, and it's not only about justice for the workers, but it's also about actually optimising their creativities and their energies in order to ensure that we prosper more as corporate entities."

Questions on the issuance and monitoring of exclusive prospecting licences and reports of inactive licences and insufficient compliance monitoring were raised. 
Governance and licensing processes were an additional concern.

Housing shortages, inadequate medical coverage for subcontracted workers, and limited long-term social security support were identified as key gaps, revealing a disconnect between corporate commitments and the everyday realities faced by mine workers.
Despite these challenges, the dialogue acknowledged positive examples within the industry, with some mining companies introducing employee housing programmes and medical aid schemes.

To address current issues, participants recommend stricter enforcement of labour laws and improved health and safety standards at the workplace. 
The discussion also called for trade unions to be properly involved in decisions about job cuts and for regular health and safety checks at all mining operations.