The Chamber of Mines of Namibia on Friday announced the cancellation of its 2021 Mining Expo and Conference, which was scheduled to take place on 01 and 02 September 2021.

The Mining Expo and Conference is an annual highlight on the calendar of the Namibian mining industry and the local business fraternity which has garnered notable attention from the outside world, with an increasing number of international countries and investors attending the event.

A statement issued by the Chamber of Mines said Namibia is experiencing a devastating third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is only expected to reach its peak in September 2021.

“A physical event in these challenging times will thus not be possible, and the safety of the mining sector, stakeholders, exhibitors, and visitors is of utmost importance to the Chamber,” the statement said.

The Chamber extensively investigated and consulted with stakeholders and exhibitors on the possibility of hosting a virtual mining expo in the place of a physical event. However, after careful and due consideration of the findings from the consultations, it was decided to indefinitely cancel the event.

A virtual mining conference will however be held on 01 September. Details pertaining to the conference including an official programme will be communicated in due course.

The last expo took place in May 2019.

Source: Namibia Press Agency