The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) has issued an urgent objection to the Sinomine Resources Group regarding its restructuring plans and looming retrenchments at the Tsumeb Smelter, warning of a direct threat to workers’ livelihoods and constitutional rights. Representing hundreds of Namibian employees through its Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter Branch Executive, the union contends that the company’s “Voluntary Separation” (VS) scheme is procedurally flawed and fundamentally contradicts the Namibian Government’s commitment to job creation and decent work.
MUN alleges that Sinomine’s actions deliberately undermine the union’s role, promote precarious work, and perpetuate outsourcing practices detrimental to job security within Namibia’s mining sector. The union specifically rejects the informal engagement processes led by Sinomine’s Human Resources division under Acting Director Chrechen Muukua, arguing they exclude meaningful negotiations and violate the Recognition Procedural Agreement (RPA) between the company and the union. MUN states its attempts to initiate structured, good-faith negotiations have been met with unilateral processes that treat the union as a spectator rather than a recognised bargaining agent.
The union draws parallels to a concerning trend in Namibia’s mining sector, citing similar strategies employed by companies like Rössing Uranium and B2Gold, where permanent employees were retrenched only to be replaced by contractors. MUN warns this shift erodes job security protections and violates national employment goals and the ethical obligations of companies operating in Namibia. If unchecked, the union fears this will decimate long-term employment, harm protections, impoverish communities, and undermine economic stability.
As the recognised bargaining agent, MUN has presented key demands to Sinomine. These include the immediate commencement of formal negotiations directly between company and union leadership under the RPA, not HR-led sessions without binding authority. The union also demands the extension of the Voluntary Separation window to a minimum of two years, aligning with commitments Sinomine reportedly made during its acquisition of the smelter from Dundee Precious Metals. Furthermore, MUN insists on full transparency regarding the future organisational structure, staffing model, and skills requirements for new plant operations, rejecting any plan to marginalise Namibian workers in favour of foreign nationals. Crucially, the union demands the protection of workers’ dignity and rights under the Namibian Labour Act (Act 11 of 2007), ensuring any departure is truly voluntary, fairly compensated, and free from coercion or intimidation, with remaining workers guaranteed respect and job security.
Given the severe potential impact of retrenchments on members, their families, and the broader community, MUN has urgently requested a meeting with the Honourable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industrialisation, Mines, and Energy. The union seeks to convene no later than June 13, 2025, to deliberate on the matter and work towards an equitable resolution. While acknowledging companies may face financial pressures, MUN General Secretary Filleppuss George Ampweya stressed that people must remain the priority, warning that the social and economic cost of mass unemployment, particularly among semi-skilled and unskilled workers, would far outweigh any temporary business loss. The union asserts its belief in a fair, transparent, and negotiated solution but vows to oppose corporate ambush, unilateralism, and disregard for workers’ rights.