Walvis Bay Manganese Refinery Project Opens New Prospects for Local Industry and Employment

Green Metals Refining Ltd has secured environmental clearance for a planned manganese refinery and sulphuric acid plant in Walvis Bay, marking a significant step towards expanding Namibia’s mineral-processing capacity and creating potential opportunities for local employment and industrial development.

In an announcement dated 14 October 2026, the company said the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism approved its Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) on 9 October, following a review of the projects’ Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan.

The proposed developments at Farm 58 are intended to produce battery-grade manganese chemicals and sulphuric acid, products that serve industrial applications and supply chains associated with the global transition towards cleaner energy.

The clearance reduces an important regulatory hurdle for the projects and moves them closer to being ready for construction. However, the company has not announced a final investment decision, meaning construction timelines, total investment and the number of jobs to be created have yet to be confirmed.

The proposed refinery could support Namibia’s efforts to capture more value from its mineral resources by processing materials locally rather than relying predominantly on the export of less-processed commodities.

For a country with an established mining industry, expanding domestic processing capacity could create additional economic activity around mineral production, industrial services, logistics and supply chains.

Green Metals Refining Namibia (Pty) Ltd is developing the manganese refinery using existing feedstock supply chains and logistics, while Kudu Chemicals (Pty) Ltd is developing the sulphuric acid plant to supply the refinery and meet demand from other customers.

A third subsidiary, Foxtrot Industrial Developments (Pty) Ltd, has been established to provide infrastructure and shared services for the projects and potentially other businesses.

The development of these facilities could strengthen connections between mining and downstream manufacturing, creating opportunities for local enterprises to participate in activities beyond the extraction of mineral resources.

The potential economic contribution, however, will depend on the projects reaching the investment and construction stages, securing the necessary inputs and establishing commercially viable operations.

Job creation and local skills development are among the anticipated national benefits identified by the company. Green Metals Refining said it intends to prioritise local employment, training and supplier development as part of its proposed development model.

If implemented, the projects could generate employment during construction and create longer-term positions in processing, plant operations, maintenance, logistics and related technical services. Local contractors and suppliers could also benefit from demand for goods and services.

For Walvis Bay and the wider Erongo Region, the development could broaden industrial activity and create opportunities for businesses supplying the facilities. The extent of these benefits will depend on how much procurement is directed towards Namibian businesses and how effectively local workers are prepared for available positions.

According to Green Metals Refining, the company is progressing the tender process to appoint a feasibility study engineer for the sulphuric acid plant. It has also completed advanced metallurgical test work supporting the manganese refinery’s pre-feasibility study.

These activities remain important steps towards determining the projects’ technical and commercial viability before a final investment decision is made.

The company also said its environmental assessment process involved engagement with communities, relevant ministries, regulatory authorities and other interested parties. It has committed to designing operations to minimise emissions, waste and water consumption, while maintaining community engagement and environmental oversight.

The proposed developments could represent a meaningful addition to Namibia’s industrial base if they proceed to production. Their broader significance will ultimately depend on investment commitments, implementation, environmental performance and the tangible benefits delivered to Namibian workers and businesses.

For now, the environmental clearance represents progress towards the proposed facilities, rather than confirmation that construction, production or job creation has begun.