Windhoek: Gezhouba Mining Services has officially changed its name to GMS Namibia Mining Services, marking a significant milestone of five years of operation. Over this period, the company recorded over N$1.2 billion in local procurement and tax contributions exceeding N$335 million.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the rebranding, under the theme 'In Namibia, For Namibia,' was announced at the Namibia Mining Expo and Conference held at the Windhoek Showgrounds. GMS Chief Executive Officer Wen Shu emphasized the company's long-term commitment to Namibia by incorporating 'Namibia' into its name. The initials GMS now represent both General Mining Services and Global Mining Services.
Wen highlighted the company's growth since its establishment in Namibia in 2021, evolving into an international mining service provider with nearly 500 employees, over 450 of whom are Namibian nationals. GMS has invested in more than 150 units of mining equipment, maintained a localisation rate above 90%, and trained over 20 Namibian technical professionals through collaborations with local educational institutions.
Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse acknowledged GMS's operational achievements, noting a fleet of over 350 units of equipment and approximately 1.3 million work hours completed without a lost-time injury. GMS earned a five-star safety rating from the National Occupational Safety Association, reflecting its commitment to safety and efficiency. Amutse stressed the importance of expanding Namibian participation in management roles within mining companies and encouraged greater focus on processing minerals locally to produce value-added commodities.
Wei Jinming, Counsellor at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Namibia, praised GMS for creating nearly 1,000 jobs since its inception and training over 80 local university students and apprentices. Wei noted that GMS received the highest-level A+ Affirmative Action Compliance Certificate this year and has maintained a positive public image since starting operations.
Wei remarked that the rebranding aligns with the broader trajectory of China-Namibia relations, as evidenced by the recent agreement between President Xi Jinping and President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to elevate bilateral ties. GMS provides integrated mining services, including drilling, blasting, loading, and hauling, and began its operations in Namibia at one of the world's largest uranium mines.