Namibian Gem Miners Receive Training

Small-scale gem mining.

Sixty Namibian small-scale gem miners have been trained in cutting and polishing gemstones under a Commonwealth Secretariat project to develop the country's small and cottage industries.

Based at the Gemstones Centre in Keetmanshoop, Namibia, the project sought to equip small miners with the skills to add value to raw stones, thus improving sale price. It is hoped that miners who participated will set up their own "cottage units" using the skills and knowledge gained.

Implemented by the Secretariat's Special Advisory Services Division this year, the initiative included practical training in gem identification and classification; instruction in the physical characteristics, forms and uses of gemstones; and coaching in the operation and maintenance of cutting, polishing and engraving equipment. 

A P Ndishishi, Permanent Secretary at Namibia's Ministry of Trade and Industry, commented: "The training was provided in a well-structured and planned manner. The trainees can now cut and polish specific gemstones. 

"Namibia is endowed with vast resources of precious and semi-precious gemstones and minerals. There is a large community of small miners who undertake the laborious task of mining the stones but who, so far, did not have access to processing facilities for gemstones. We believe that the community … and small miners are enthused that the process of training in this field has now been initiated."

Under the project's second phase, several selected miners will receive advanced instruction to help develop a pool of trainers in Namibia. The country is estimated to have around 1,000 small-scale miners. Among the subjects trainers will learn are inventory and quality management systems, grading of gemstones and polishing. 

The initiative is part of a wider Secretariat programme to assist Namibia's Ministry of Trade and Industry in the creation of clusters of small and cottage industries. Other areas identified for development include agro-food processing, leather goods, handicrafts, manufacturing of clothes and metal products.

 

CNIS - the Commonwealth News and Information Service Issue 213  8 December 2004

Key Links:

• Special Advisory Services Division