By Foibe Paavo
Swakopmund, Aug. 18 – Rossing Uranium launched a 270-page legacy book covering 45 years of Rossing’s socio-economic footprint in Namibia on Wednesday evening at Swakopmund.
The book reflects on the mine’s 45 years of existence; documents the history and contribution of the company to the value of the triple bottom line “people, planet and prosperity”.
“Rossing has lived this reality since the opening of the mine in 1976 through generations of many management and I can vouch for that because I was here as a student in 1976,” said the chairperson of the Rossing Board of Directors, Steve Galloway.
Capturing the historical moments of Rossing’s existence, the book is divided into decades, starting from the first decade that highlights 1976-1986, which is a decade that focused on laying the foundation of the success of the mine. During that period, the prime focus was just on its people and building leadership capabilities.
“The pioneers who came before us envisioned the dream of establishing a world-class responsible mining organization. A mine that will shape and guide future generations of Namibian mining professionals, who would go on to set the best practice standards – not just in mining, but also in health, safety and environmental management as well as in corporate social responsibilities,” Galloway said.
“It took vision and a lot of guts to envisage building a mine in the Namib desert, let alone to produce uranium oxide,” said the deputy minister of mines and energy, Kornelia Shilunga.
She said mining is the backbone of the country’s economy, as it contributes largely to the livelihood of the Namibian People.
“Rossing has gone above and beyond, countrywide, to ensure the betterment of our nation,” she said.
Galloway added that thousands of Namibians will attest to the impact that Rossing Uranium Foundation had on their lives.
Rossing Foundation played a significant role in the community and contributed highly to the Namibian health sector, entertainment industry, agricultural sector and education sector. Thus, settling the standards in technical, safety, environmental and employment areas, making it a leading mining company. Not only in Africa but the whole world at large.
“I’m so honoured, blessed and humbled to have been a 1927 model, that’s still standing. You can’t find many like me in Namibia,” said Graham Louw, discoverer of Rossing Uranium.
“Also I’m indeed privileged to experience my long life foundation tonight, for age is an opportunity, no less than youth itself,” he said. “And as twilight fades away, the sky’s filled with stars, unseen by day”
“Life goes on. The older you become, the better you become, and so more opportunities will come. Use those opportunities and even when you think you can’t find them anymore, they’re there, not just at night, but in daylight as well,” Graham Louw said.
