Speakers

Ali has extensive business, leadership and organizational experience with focus on project management, planning, financial management, Corporate and Commercial Finance. He brings a wealth of experience and skills set in: corporate strategy, strategic management, finance, investment, project design and implementation. He serves as a Chief Executive Officer of the Namibian Road Fund Administration (RFA) since 2014 He is a Board and Executive Committee Member of the International Road Federation. He is the past president of the African Road Maintenance Funds Association (ARMFA) He designed and implemented Public-Private Sector Partnership projects involving Development Bank of Namibia, French Development Agency, GIZ and Norsad Fund. Ali has a Bachelor Degree in Economics from University of Namibia and an MBA in Strategic Management from Maastricht School of Management, The Netherlands. He serves on various Corporate Boards in Namibia in private equity, insurance and tourism companies.

Alina Garises is the Manager: Corporate Communications at TransNamib, bringing over 20 years of experience in corporate and crisis communications, with exposure to national and international markets across the mining, telecommunications, and logistics sectors. She has operated in complex and dynamic business environments, leading strategic communication functions, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and supporting organisations through periods of transformation while advancing brand positioning and organisational reputation. Prior to joining TransNamib, she held senior communications roles at Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb, a Canadian-owned mining company, and Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter, a Chinese-owned mining company. In these roles, she led the development and implementation of change communication strategies supporting acquisition transitions, major infrastructure projects, and critical stakeholder engagements. She holds a Master of Arts in Leading Innovation and Change from York St John University (United Kingdom), an Honours Degree in Journalism and Communication Technology from the Namibia University of Science and Technology, and is a Chartered Public Relations Practitioner accredited by PRISA. She brings strategic insight, cross-sector knowledge, and facilitation expertise to the Infrastructure Dialogue.

Barcelona Tsauses: Executive Vice President at the Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter   Ms. Tsauses is an Executive Vice President at the Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter with more than 18 years’ experience in various commodities, namely: Zinc, Uranium and Copper. She is a Chemical Engineer and holds an Executive Management MBA from the University of Cape Town (Cum Laude). She has extensive cross functional executive leadership experience in the mining and resources sector in Project Management (Plant Design & Commissioning), Processing Operations, Business Transformation including Financial performance management, ESG, Government relations, Communications and Human resources.  Ms. Tsauses has developed and implemented various business systems including Organizational Transformation, Effectiveness and Accountability that led to record production and sustainable value creation over her career.  Ms. Tsauses has designed and commissioned various plant units across her career, including the state-of-the-art Sulphuric Acid Plant at the Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter to mention a few. In 2009, she was awarded a global outstanding achievement by Anglo American for the design and commissioning of a processing unit.  She is one of the founding members of the Women in Mining Association of Namibia. She is the Chairperson of the Health & Safety Committee of the Chamber of Mines of Namibia and further served on the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) Advisory Committee of the Metallurgy Engineering degree programme.​ 

Benedictus Mingeli is a dynamic, results-driven executive and registered electrical engineering professional with broad experience across Namibia’s mining, electricity, investment, and asset management sectors. He currently serves as Chief Operating Officer at NamPower, where he provides strategic, operational, financial, and technical leadership across generation, transmission, national electrification, infrastructure development, the Modified Single Buyer Market Model, digital transformation, risk management and stakeholder engagement.. He has demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, project execution, regulatory compliance, asset performance optimisation, and investment oversight, including the delivery of strong risk-adjusted returns and improved operational efficiency. Passionate about innovation in the energy sector, he is committed to advancing energy security, access, and equity while leading transformational initiatives that align resources with long-term strategic goals.

She has 32 Years experience working for Namdeb, Debmarine Namibia, De Beers Group of Companies and Anglo American. She has worked in various roles: As a Metallurgical Manager, Divisional Metallurgist, Vessel Manager and Business Optimisation Manager. She is currently the Chief Operating Officer at Debmarine Namibia where she oversees a fleet of 5 Production vessels and 1 Sampling vessel. She has been part of the Global, Multidisciplinary & Diverse Mining Teams that have conducted Asset Reviews and Assessment of the Elimination of Fatalities across the Anglo-American operations in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Australia, Canada, Chile and Brazil. She served as the Deputy Chairperson on the Board of Directors for NamWater and the Diamond Board of Namibia (DIBONA Maenge has spent significant time on the mining coal face, and she is passionate about coaching and mentoring other professionals. She also believes that the full potential of digitalization still needs to be exploited to benefit the full mining value chain.

Chris has worked in various roles in the mining industry for over three decades, these have included both management and operational duties ranging from day-to-day operations to specialized project work. Over Chris’s career, he has worked on mining projects in Australia, Africa, Asia and the Middle East in both the terrestrial and marine environments. Chris has been actively involved in the raising of debt (project, mezzanine, and term loans) and equity finance, offtake arrangements, restructures, merger and acquisition activities including the listing of various mining companies on international stock exchanges. Chris’s years of experience have enhanced his understanding of the various aspects of the open-cut, underground and marine mining processes, be it exploration, geology, sustainable mining practices, development, environment, HSE and project financial parameters.

Danie van Aswegen is a senior mining executive with nearly 30 years of experience in mining operations, project development, technology integration, and business transformation. As Interim CEO and COO of Bannerman Energy, he is leading the development of a greenfield uranium project in Namibia, managing the strategic, operational, and technical challenges associated with bringing a world-class asset into production. Throughout his career within the broader Anglo American Group, Danie has built a strong track record of delivering large-scale mining projects and leading high-performing, multidisciplinary teams through periods of growth, change, and operational excellence. During his recent tenure at Debmarine Namibia, he directed a multi-billion-NAD project portfolio encompassing technology development, innovation, fleet enhancement, and complex capital projects. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) from Stellenbosch University and a Master of Engineering (Project Management) from the University of Pretoria. He has further strengthened his leadership expertise through executive education at leading international institutions, including the Senior Executive Programme at London Business School and the Advanced Management Programme at IESE Business School. As a certified PMP and GCC holder, Danie combines technical expertise with strategic leadership to deliver sustainable value and long-term business success.

Desmond E. van Jaarsveld was appointed Chief Executive Officer of TransNamib Holdings Limited in April 2024, bringing over 30 years of executive leadership experience across the transportation, logistics, manufacturing, and consumer goods sectors. He has extensive expertise in strategy development and execution, business turnaround, operational excellence, government relations, and leading organisations through complex and evolving business environments. Prior to joining TransNamib, Desmond held senior executive positions, including Managing Director at DP World Namibia, a global logistics company, as well as leadership roles with Rain Africa, Namibia Breweries and Safland Properties. Throughout his career, he has led transformation and turnaround initiatives, strengthened operational capabilities, advanced supply chain solutions, and built strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including government and industry partners. Desmond holds a Master of Science from Stellenbosch University (South Africa), complemented by executive education from the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business and University of Stellenbosch Business School. With deep expertise in rail transport and end-to-end logistics, Desmond brings valuable insights into infrastructure development, rail corridor optimisation, intermodal connectivity, and the role of efficient freight networks in supporting Namibia’s mining sector and economic growth.

Dr. Gabi Schneider has been the Executive Director of the Namibian Uranium Institute since 2016. She holds an MSc and a PhD in Economic Geology. She started her career at the Namibian Geological Survey in 1985, and served as its director from 1996 to 2016. She held the position of President of the Organisation of African Geological Surveys from 2013 to 2016. Her professional experience covers economic, exploration, and environmental geology, and management. She is an honorary life member of the Geological Society of Namibia, an honorary fellow of the Geological Society of London, and is registered with the Namibian Geoscience Council and the South African Council for Natural Science Professionals. Dr Schneider serves as member of a number of working groups of the World Nuclear Association and the International Atomic Energy Agency, where she chairs the Technical Working Group on Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation. She is a member of Namibia’s Geoscience Council, chairs UNESCO’s Geopark Task Force, is a member of the Commission for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention in Namibia, and a trustee of the Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology. She played a leading role in the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Namibian Uranium Province.

Fabian Shaanika is the Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Mines of Namibia, having assumed the role on 1 May 2026. He is a Namibian mining, natural resources, and business professional with over two decades of combined experience across the mining, extractive resources, and financial services sectors. A registered Professional Geologist, Fabian has worked across the full mining value chain, including exploration, project development, production, strategic planning, capital project management, and resource-sector financing. His career includes senior roles at Debmarine Namibia, Skorpion Zinc Mine, Namdeb, Standard Bank Namibia, Rand Merchant Bank Namibia, and Kelp Blue. Fabian holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Stellenbosch Business School (South Africa), a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Exploration Geophysics from Durham University (UK), and a BSc Honours in Geophysical Sciences from the University of Leeds (UK). He has also completed executive education programmes at Imperial College Business School and London Business School in the UK. He brings strong expertise in strategy formulation and execution, corporate relationship management, enterprise risk management, stakeholder engagement, contract management, negotiations, and public speaking. Fabian is registered as a Senior Geoscientist with the Council of Geoscience of Namibia as well as with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions. He has board exposure, including service on the Interim Board of Namibia Post Limited (public entity); non-executive board member of Kudu Chemicals Pty Ltd (private entity) and as a non-executive board member and Chair of Huib Plateau Park Inc (not for profit).

Mr. Frans J. P. Ndoroma, Ex Assistant General Manager Production- Namdeb, is a seasoned Namibian business leader with more than four decades of executive and board-level experience across the mining, telecommunications, investment, infrastructure and property development sectors. He previously served as Managing Director of Telecom Namibia and Chief Executive Officer of Namibia Post & Telecom Holdings, following a distinguished career at NAMDEB. He is currently Executive Chairman of Twine Investment Holdings and has served as a director and chairman of numerous prominent organisations in Southern Africa. Mr. Ndoroma holds a BSc (Honours) in Mineral Engineering from the University of Leeds and is widely respected for his expertise in strategic leadership, corporate governance and organisational transformation.

George is the Managing Director and General Manager of QKR Namibia Navachab Gold Mine, a position he has held since 2018. A highly respected mining executive with over 30 years of industry experience, he has built a distinguished career in mine operations, strategic planning and executive leadership. His leadership has been characterized by pursuing operational excellence through innovation and employee engagement resulting in record low-cost production levels and thereby transforming Navachab into one of Namibia’s leading gold producers. George is recognized for his strong commitment to sustainable mining, community development, skills development and local economic development focused primarily on development of local SMEs. Beyond Navachab, George plays a leading role in Namibia’s mining sector as the President of the Chamber of Mines of Namibia, where he works closely with industry stakeholders to promote responsible mining, investment and sustainable growth within the country’s mining industry. He holds a BSc (Hon) in Mining Engineering (University of Zimbabwe); a Postgraduate qualification in Mining Engineering and an MBA from the London School of Business and Finance.

Gerda is a tax director and leads the Tax Business Unit of Deloitte in Namibia. Gerda was appointed as Director in 2011 and has over two decades of Namibia tax experience. Gerda advised listed, corporate and medium-sized clients across sectors that include mining, oil & gas, financial services, retail and manufacturing on the full range of taxes: corporate tax, VAT, employees’ and expat taxes, withholding taxes and transfer pricing. Gerda holds a law degree together with postgraduate qualifications in tax and VAT. Gerda is a member of the Law Society of Namibia and the Legislative subcommittee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAN) Tax Committee. She is the editor of Deloitte Tax Newsletters and Quick Tax Guide.

Helena Mootseng is a seasoned Corporate Affairs and Stakeholder Relations professional with a proven track record in stakeholder engagement, community relations, government affairs, strategic communications, advocacy, and reputation management. Having held leadership and stakeholder-focused roles at the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC), and the City of Windhoek, she brings extensive experience in building productive partnerships between business, government, communities, and industry stakeholders. Helena has successfully led stakeholder engagement strategies, facilitated complex multi-stakeholder dialogues, managed community relations programmes, and strengthened organizational reputation through transparent communication and collaborative problem-solving. Her expertise includes government and parliamentary relations, conflict resolution, crisis communication, and policy advocacy. Aligned with the Namibia Mining Expo 2026 theme, “From Dialogue to Delivery: Assessing Progress in Creating Mining-led Economic Growth and Employment since NamPPF,” Helena is passionate about transforming stakeholder dialogue into measurable outcomes that promote inclusive economic growth, employment creation, social impact, and sustainable development for Namibia.

Irvinne is the Executive Vice President of Swakop Uranium (Pty) Ltd, owner and operator of the Husab Mine, one of the world’s largest uranium mines and a major contributor to Namibia’s economy. A mining executive with more than 23 years of experience across uranium, diamonds, gold, base metals (zinc), and mineral sands, he has held senior leadership positions in Namibia and across Africa, leading multidisciplinary operational, technical, and commercial teams. He has successfully led some of the most notable mining business transformations in Namibia. In his current role, Mr. Simataa is responsible for corporate strategy execution, operational performance, major stakeholder shareholder relations, and the company’s uranium resource development mandate across Africa. He also serves as a spokesperson for the company on strategic industry, investment, and policy matters. Mr. Simataa contributes to Namibia’s infrastructure and economic development through service on several boards and governance structures, including but not limited to being 2nd Vice President of the Chamber of Mines and afFounding Board Member of the Erongo SUNAM Desalination Plant (Pty) Ltd, a company developing strategic water infrastructure to support Namibia’s long-term industrial growth and water security. Mr. Simataa holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Mining Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand and has completed executive business programmes through the University of Stellenbosch Business School and the Gordon Institute of Business Science. He is widely recognized for combining technical expertise, commercial acumen, and stakeholder-centred leadership in advancing sustainable resource development in Africa.

Jacklyn Zetamunua Mwenze is an accomplished HSE leader with over 19 years of experience in the mining industry. As the Manager – Health, Safety, Environment & Protection Services at Rössing Uranium Limited, she is part of the senior leadership team, providing strategic leadership across Health, Safety, Environment, Protection Services, Business Resilience and Critical Risk Management. Manager – Health, Safety, Environment & Protection Services Rössing Uranium Limited, Namibia Having worked for global corporations such as RT and CNNC, Jacklyn has successfully led HSE transformation initiatives that strengthen operational excellence, critical risk management and line leadership accountability. Her experience includes providing strategic HSE leadership and governance for major plant shutdowns, mine life expansion projects, contractor management, operational readiness, emergency preparedness, process safety, tailings and water governance, and enterprise HSE management systems. Jacklyn is recognised for building practical and sustainable safety cultures within complex, multicultural work environments. She has extensive experience leading diverse workforces and contractor organisations, believing that lasting safety excellence is achieved when line leaders own critical risks and safety becomes an integral part of business performance. Under her leadership, Rössing Uranium was recognised as the Namibian Chamber of Mines Best Performing Mine in Safety three times within five years (2019, 2020 and 2022). Jacklyn holds a Bachelor of Science in Molecular, Physiological and Environmental Biology from the University of Namibia and an MBA from Regent Business School, South Africa. Her research demonstrated the strong correlation between occupational health and safety performance and overall business performance, reinforcing her passion for integrating HSE excellence with sustainable organisational success. Outside of work, Jacklyn enjoys CrossFit, reading, travelling, poetry, and spending quality time with her family.

Jesaya Hano-Oshike is the Managing Director of Bellatrix Investment Managers and an investment professional committed to unlocking investment opportunities that drive entrepreneurship, mining value chains and sustainable economic development in Namibia. Over the course of his career, Jesaya has gained experience in bank treasury management, venture capital, investment advisory and startup business development. He has worked closely with businesses across the mining ecosystem, supporting suppliers, contractors, and resource-linked enterprises with access to finance and growth capital. He is actively involved in Namibia's early-stage investment ecosystem and supports a number of both non-profit and for-profit organisations that contribute to economic diversification, local content development, and the growth of innovative businesses serving the mining and broader industrial sectors

36 Years experience in various roles in mining, covering the following commodities: Uranium Gold Zinc Manganese Lithium Born in Okahandja – 1963, Schooled at PK de Villiers, Keetmanshoop 1977-1981, ND Chemical Engineering (Cape Technicon) – 1985, MBA (Maastricht School of Management, Netherlands) - 2002 Current Roles: Managing Director - Rössing Uranium Limited Trustee - Rössing Foundation Previous Roles: President – Chamber of Mines of Namibia Chairman – Namibian Uranium Association

John Roos is the Managing Director of B2Gold Namibia, the country’s largest underground gold mining company, which is 90% owned by B2Gold Corporation and 10% by EVI Mining Namibia. John is responsible for providing strategic leadership and overseeing the company’s operations, long-term growth, and corporate development in Namibia. Before this role, he served as Country Manager from November 2022. John is actively involved in advancing the Company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, championing projects that promote sustainable community development, education, healthcare, livelihoods and environmental stewardship. John is a member of the Executive Committee of the Chamber of Mines of Namibia. He also serves on the boards of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), EduVision Foundation, Save the Rhino Trust Namibia, Michelle Mclean Children Foundation and The Nakayale Private Academy, contributing to initiatives that strengthen Namibia’s business environment, education sector, environmental conservation, and socio-economic development. Professionally, John is registered as a Chartered Accountant with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Kegan Strydom is a Relationship Manager: Mining and Resources at RMB Namibia, with more than 18 years of experience across mining, energy and business development. He is recognized for combining deep sector expertise with commercial insight to unlock growth opportunities and deliver sustainable value for clients and stakeholders. Prior to joining RMB, Kegan held senior operational and leadership roles at Namdeb, where he led and managed significant operational portfolios, and engaged extensively with government, regulators, and industry leaders. Earlier in his career, he gained valuable exposure to the oil and gas sector through roles with Chariot Oil & Gas and NAMCOR. Kegan holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership Development from Stellenbosch University, an MSc in Integrated Petroleum Geoscience from the University of Aberdeen, and a BSc Honours in Geology from the University of Pretoria. He is passionate about shaping strategic outcomes, developing high-value client relationships, and contributing to Namibia’s long-term economic growth through innovative financial and industry solutions.

Liezl Davies is the General Manager: Human Capital, Safety and Sustainability at Rössing Uranium, where she provides executive leadership in building safe, high-performing and sustainable operations within one of Namibia’s most significant mining companies. With more than a decade of executive experience in the mining industry and a background in Industrial Psychology, her leadership experience spans mining operations, processing, business improvement, health and safety, sustainability, mine closure, workforce transformation, and stakeholder management. She has played significant leadership roles during shareholder transitions, strategic transformation initiatives, ESG leadership programmes, and enterprise-wide operational improvement while partnering closely with regulators, communities, boards, and shareholders. She is passionate about creating workplaces where safety is not only managed through systems and compliance, but strengthened through leadership, trust, employee engagement and organisational culture. In addition to her executive responsibilities, Liezl is completing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), with research focused on resilience, leadership longevity and the development of future leaders in complex, high-risk industries. Her work explores how organisations can build resilient leadership systems that support long-term performance, innovation and wellbeing. A strong advocate for ethical leadership and the advancement of women in mining, Liezl is committed to developing leaders who can navigate uncertainty while maintaining operational excellence, protecting people and creating lasting business value.

Lionel Coetzee is an experienced mining executive with more than 24 years of leadership across mining operations, project development, renewable energy integration, and corporate strategy. He holds a BTech in Extractive Metallurgy from the University of Johannesburg and a Global MBA from Oxford Brookes University. Having spent most of his career at Namdeb, Lionel played a key role in shaping the company's life-of-mine extension strategy to 2042 and championed technological innovations that delivered significant cost savings and operational improvements. He joined Koryx Copper as Country Manager in April 2026, where he leverages his technical expertise and strategic insight to lead stakeholder engagement and technical functions, advancing the Haib Copper Project toward development and implementation

M.Sc, MAusIMM, Pr.Sci.Nat Mike’s 35 years’ experience in the mining industry includes roles as a consultant as well as in corporate and senior management in private and public listed resource companies operating in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, South America, and Australia. These various roles cover a broad range of responsibilities ranging from corporate management, statutory reporting and capital raising to exploration, environmental permitting and mine development. As a marine geologist and commercial diver scientist Mike has accumulated specialist knowledge in the areas of marine mineral exploration and mining and has been engaged in the development of the marine diamond mining sector in South Africa and Namibia since 1983. Since 2008, he has been responsible for development of NMP’s Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project including delineation of the +1 billion ton phosphate mineral resource, issue of a Mining License and a Definitive Feasibility Study

Morna Ikosa is an accredited chartered public relations practitioner with over a decade of experience in brand management, strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and reputation management at the executive level. Her work has shaped communication strategies for some of Namibia's most prestigious organisations, influencing high-level decision-making and strengthening brand reputation across industries. As an experienced and passionate moderator, Morna has guided two previous editions of the Mining Expo, curating conversations that go beyond surface-level discussion to engage industry leaders, policymakers, and investors on issues driving meaningful change in Namibia's mining sector. At Mining Expo 2026, she continues this role, steering dialogue on investment, sustainability, and the sector's evolving future. Beyond her role as a strategic communicator, Morna is a published author, filmmaker, and columnist. As a developmental practitioner, she maintains a strong interest in sustainable development, bringing that perspective to discussions on the industries driving Namibia's economic growth.

Onni-Ndangi Iithete is Head of Legal Services and Company Secretary at the NamWater, where he sits on the Executive Committee. He has led the negotiation and conclusion of NamWater's bulk water supply agreements with major mining customers, structuring the legal and commercial frameworks underpinning water security for the sector. As Chairperson of NamWater's Desalination Steering Committee, Onni led the NamWater negotiating team through the conclusion of the Joint Venture Agreement with Swakop Uranium, establishing Erongo SUNAM Desalination (Pty) Ltd to jointly develop a seawater desalination plant at Wlotzkasbaken — a project central to securing long-term water supply for mining-led growth in the Erongo Region. He now serves as an Alternate Director on the Erongo SUNAM Board. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (Wartburg College, USA), an LLB from the University of Namibia, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice from UCT and a Master of Leadership and Change Management from NUST.

Precious Gowases is an accomplished Health, Safety and Environment professional with over 20 years of experience leading health, safety, environmental and risk management programmes across Namibia's mining and heavy industrial sectors. As Health and Safety Superintendent at Navachab Gold Mine, she leads the development of Safety management systems, critical risk management strategies and organizational safety culture initiatives. Precious has successfully led HSE management on several landmark infrastructure projects, achieving multiple million Lost Time Injury-free manhours while implementing internationally recognized management systems. She holds a Bachelor of Technology Degree in Environmental Health, an Honours Degree in Business Management, the NEBOSH International Oil and Gas Safety Certificate, and numerous professional certifications in occupational health, safety, environmental management and leadership. As certified ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 Lead Implementer and Lead Auditor, she is passionate about developing resilient safety cultures, strengthening leadership, and driving operational excellence through effective HSE management.

Mr. Presley Eddy Raeta Kamuvi Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy | Acting Deputy Director: Mine Safety and Operations Division Mr. Presley Kamuvi currently serves as the Acting Deputy Director for the Mine Safety and Operations Division in the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy and by statute serves as the Acting Chief Inspector of Mines. Presley holds an Honours Degree in Mining Engineering from the Namibia University of Science and Technology and has over 8 years experience in the mining industry. Presley is a strong advocate for achieving zero-harm in mining industry and is actively involved in the review of the Mine Health and Safety Regulations to keep up with the dynamics of the industry and to maintain a safe and productive mining industry in Namibia. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT) and the Chairperson of Small Miners of Uis (a section 21 company) Board of Directors. He serves as a member on the Chamber of Mines Health and Safety Committee representing Government.

Riaan Burger is the Chief Executive Officer of Namdeb Diamond Corporation, Namibia’s iconic diamond mining company. Since his appointment as CEO in November 2017, he has guided the company through a period of significant transformation, operational renewal and long-term sustainability planning. A mechanical engineer by profession, Riaan holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree and an MBA from Stellenbosch University. He brings more than three decades of experience in engineering, mining operations, strategic planning, organisational transformation and executive leadership. Riaan joined Namdeb in 1995 and has since held a succession of senior leadership positions across the business, spanning engineering, strategic projects, general management and operations. Prior to becoming CEO, he served as Chief Operating Officer, where he played a central role in developing innovative mining methods, advancing major strategic projects and driving organisational change. During his tenure, Riaan has led initiatives that have extended Namdeb’s operational life, secured long-term investment in its mining operations and strengthened the company’s contribution to Namibia’s economy, communities and broader development objectives. He serves on several boards and industry bodies and became a member of the De Beers Group Executive Committee in 2022. He has also contributed to organisations focused on economic development, conservation and aviation.

Business leader and Professional Mechanical Engineer (Pr. Eng) with 29+ years’ experience across rail, FMCG and manufacturing. Track record in business and project turnarounds, mega-capital programmes, rolling stock acquisition and lifecycle governance, and business development - supported by an assurance-led approach to risk, compliance and delivery confidence. Active performance coach to leaders and teams, strengthening human-centred capability that integrates technical expertise, disciplined execution and fit-for-purpose technology to solve complex problems and deliver measurable results.

With 40 years’ working experience in exploration, mining, government, investments, corporate- and project finance, banking and strategic management and having served on boards of several financial and mining companies, Steve retired from banking in early 2017 but still serves on mining, community and governance boards. He is an honorary life member of the Chamber of Mines Namibia and has served as the Chair of Rossing Uranium ltd since 2022.

Timothy Marais is the Head of Exploration at Andrada Mining, where he leads the Company’s exploration strategy across its portfolio of critical minerals assets in Namibia. With over 15 years of experience in mineral exploration and project development across Africa, he specializes in lithium, tin, tungsten, and other critical minerals, advancing projects from discovery to resource development and value creation. Beyond Andrada, he supports international collaboration to strengthen Namibia’s critical minerals sector, including partnerships with the EU. His key focus areas are responsible resource development, geological innovation, and the role of critical minerals in the global energy transition

Qualifications Bachelor of Commerce Honours (BCom Hons), Accounting and Finance, University of Cape Town Chartered Accountant (South Africa) Chartered Accountant (Namibia) Biography Werner Schuckmann is the Country Director and a Director of Osino Gold Exploration and Mining (Pty) Ltd. He is a Chartered Accountant in both South Africa and Namibia and has more than 30 years of executive leadership experience in finance, governance, corporate strategy and business management across a range of industries. Prior to joining Osino, Mr. Schuckmann held several senior executive positions, including Chief Financial Officer of Air Namibia, Managing Director of Bidvest Namibia Commercial Holdings, Managing Director of Tyrepro Namibia, Financial Director of Hangana Fishing and Senior Adviser at Capricorn Capital and Bank Windhoek. He also held advisory, audit and transaction services roles with PricewaterhouseCoopers and KPMG in Namibia and Germany. As Country Director and Director, Mr. Schuckmann provides strategic leadership, governance oversight, stakeholder engagement and business management in support of the successful development of the Twin Hills Gold Project and the long-term growth of the Company.

Zach Kauraisa is a mining investment professional and the Head of Corporate Finance Advisory at Eos Capital - Namibia’s largest private equity firm. In this role, he advises mining sector sponsors across southern Africa with capital raises and M&A transactions. He holds dual master’s degrees in finance and law, and has advised on cross-border transactions worth over USD 1 billion. Prior to this role, Zach worked as a transaction advisory consultant for a London Stock Exchange listed mining company and served as a mining investment consultant for the European Union’s AfricaMaVal project.

Mr. Zebra Kasete is the Managing Director for Namibia at Deep Yellow Limited, where he leads the company's Namibian operations and the development of the flagship Tumas Uranium Project. With more than 35 years of experience in the global mining industry, he has built an accomplished career spanning uranium, diamonds, copper, gold, borates and talc, holding senior executive, operational and board leadership roles across Africa and internationally. Before joining Deep Yellow in January 2026, Mr. Kasete served as Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter, following his tenure as Managing Director of Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb. Throughout his career, he has been recognised for driving operational excellence, strengthening organisational culture, leading major business transformations, and successfully managing complex stakeholder relationships. A respected leader within Namibia's mining sector, Mr. Kasete is the immediate Past President of the Chamber of Mines of Namibia and currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Namibia Uranium Association, where he continues to contribute to the growth, sustainability and advancement of Namibia's uranium industry. He also serves on several advisory and community boards, reflecting his commitment to developing future industry talent and supporting community initiatives. Mr. Kasete holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in General and Strategic Management from Maastricht University in the Netherlands and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD). His leadership is underpinned by a passion for responsible resource development, people-centred leadership, and creating long-term value for both industry and society.

Zeka Alberto is a senior Namibian legal professional with over 25 years of experience specialising in mining and extractive industry law, corporate governance, and complex commercial transactions. Currently serving as Legal Counsel on the Life of Mine Extension Project at Rössing Uranium Limited, leads regulatory engagement with Government to secure statutory approvals and licences, and acts as dedicated Legal Counsel to the Rössing Foundation on legal, governance, and compliance. His career spans senior in-house counsel and company secretarial roles at leading mining operations, including Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter, where he served as Head of Legal Compliance & Company Secretary, and a 12-year tenure as Corporate Legal Counsel at Rössing Uranium. Across these roles, he has advised executive teams and boards on corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters; drafted and negotiated high-value contracts and commercial agreements; managed litigation portfolios and represented organisations in tribunals, arbitrations, and regulatory forums; and upheld governance standards as Board Secretary. His expertise further extends to alternative dispute resolution, underpinned by accreditation as a Mediator of the High Court of Namibia, and he has contributed to national mining legislation reform through engagement with the Chamber of Mines and the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy. Earlier in his career, he practised constitutional, human rights, and environmental public interest law at the Legal Assistance Centre, drafting governance frameworks and joint venture agreements for NGOs and conservancies, and representing Namibia on regional human rights bodies. He holds an LLM in Extractive Industry Law from the University of Pretoria, a Certificate in Mining Contracts from the University of Dundee, and an LLB and B Juris from the University of Namibia.