The Northern Namibia development C.C. diamond mine in the Northern Kunene Region, once expected to contribute to Namibia's economy and create employment, now stands idle due to a lack of investment. 

With more than N$20 million needed to resume operations, regional leadership is appealing to investors to help bring the mine back to life.

Once filled with the promise of economic opportunities, this diamond mine now stands as a dormant investment, with rusting equipment and deserted operations. Despite completing exploration, upgrading equipment and obtaining the necessary documentation to begin production, the project stalled after failing to secure the required funding. 

During a visit to the mine, Kunene Governor Vipuakuje Muharukua says the region's natural resources must translate into tangible benefits for its people.

"Behind us here is a diamond mine that has been operating, and operations have ceased. This is the beauty of the Kunene region; it is about resources, and these resources must translate into livelihoods."

The governor says the closure is a loss of potential revenue and employment, calling on investors, policymakers and local authorities to find ways of making the region more attractive for investment. He also emphasised the need for greater Namibian participation in the country's mining industry and value addition.

"You would hear it from the policy declarations of the President throughout the world as she meets international communities that Namibia should add value; Namibian resources should add value here in Namibia."

He says innovative financing mechanisms, including crowdfunding, could help revive the project and promote Namibian ownership.

Site Manager Paulus Nghimtina says the mine's operations came to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic after the company failed to secure investors.

"It was during the COVID-19 time, just after we finished coming to the Covid times; we had lockdown, and people could not travel. It did not only affect us; it affected everyone."

Nghimtina says the company kept employees on its payroll for five years, hoping for a positive outcome, but was eventually forced to release them. Only a few security personnel remain at the site.

With more than N$20 million required to restart operations, the mine's future now depends on securing new investment. For Kunene, reviving this project could mean renewed employment, economic activity and an opportunity to ensure that its mineral wealth benefits local communities.

The hope is that what stands today as a white elephant can once again become a source of prosperity for the region.