Venezuela's Ambassador to Namibia says he is proud of the trajectory of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Omar Paredes paid a courtesy call on President Nangolo Mbumba at State House earlier on Wednesday.

The recent inaugural Namibia-Venezuela Joint Commission of Cooperation meeting saw the identification of critical economic areas of interest, including mining, agriculture, and housing.

Potential products for trade from both sides identified encompass fish, beef, salt, minerals, and petroleum, among others.

President Nangolo Mbumba has reassured the diplomatic community of Namibia's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and partnerships, continuing the legacy of the late President Hage Geingob. 

He highlighted Geingob's internationalist approach, which guided Namibia's foreign policy of being a friend to all and an enemy to none.

President Mbumba addressed the diplomatic corps during the New Year's greeting ceremony, held annually at State House.

The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economics and Public Administration has called on the mining and fishing industries in the Erongo Region to invest in the development and upgrading of transport infrastructure.

Natangwe Ithete made this call during a visit to the Trans-Namib train station at Walvis Bay.

Ithete says it is disheartening to observe the railway line in poor condition in a region with a wealth of natural resources.

The Chairperson of the Stampriet Acquifer Uranium Mining Association, Divan Opperman, has called on all relevant authorities to do proper research before taking any decision regarding the possible exploration and mining activities in the Aminuis Constituency.

Opperman made the call after a community engagement session at Leonardville.

Speaking to nbc News, Opperman stated that the Stampriet Aquifer is a source of water for many, and proper investigations are a must before any mining activity is carried out.

The branch of the Independent Patriots for Change in Erongo has called on the mining industry to plough back into the communities in which they operate.

Its Chairperson, Aloysius Kangulu, says his party wants the industry to add value to resources instead of exporting them in raw form.

The IPC leadership in the Erongo Region addressed a media conference at Walvis Bay.

Echoing fellow political parties who recently called on the mining industry to ensure benefits are shared with community members, the IPC urged the government to intervene.

The Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, says there is a need to create an environment where Namibians can have local ownership of investment in the mining and petroleum sectors.

Alweendo was speaking at the Debmarine Stakeholder Breakfast Meeting in Windhoek today.

He explained that in order for Namibians to benefit economically from these sectors, it is necessary to first determine where the resources are located (exploration).

The Chinese-owned Swakop Uranium Mine near Arandis has proposed a joint venture with the government to build a second seawater desalination plant at the coast.

The mine appealed to Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila for the government to accelerate its plan.

Over the past 10 years, the mining industry in the Erongo Region has been complaining about operation disruptions due to a shortage of water in the region.

Rossing Uranium has been given a new lease on life and will continue operations until 2036.

Managing Director Johan Coetzee announced the extension of the mine's life at Swakopmund.

The formal life span of the Rossing Uranium Mine was set to end in 2025, and the previous majority shareholder, Rio Tinto, considered closing operations in 2020.

Following the sale of Rio Tinto's 67% shareholding to China National Uranium Corporation, Rossing Uranium has assured a positive cash flow and continued operations until 2025.

About 300 B2Gold workers are on suspension after failing to work late shifts after the continuous operation and exemption permits for the mine expired. 

The B2Gold Mine Workers Union branch has complained of expired continuous operation and exemption permits, which make it unlawful for employees to work night shifts.

As per instructions from the union's executive leadership at the mine, mining and processing plant department employees have only been working until 16H30 since October 1.

They were suspended after the company's permits were renewed.

The Erongo Region remains an active hub of economic development as it houses key industries such as the fishing sector, mining, logistics and transport, as well as tourism.