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Official debut for Debmarine Namibia’s flagship

12 Apr 2013

Debmarine Namibia, the largest marine diamond mining company in the world, has officially unveiled its newest mining vessel - the mv Mafuta – the biggest in its fleet of five vessels.

The Mafuta – meaning ‘seas’ or ‘great waters’ in the Oshiwambo language of Namibia – was orignally known as the Peace in Africa.

The vessel which was purchased at a cost of N$650 million is expected to produce approximately 350,000 carats annually - equivalent to 30% of Debmarine Namibia’s production.

Debmarine Namibia is owned jointly by De Beers and the government of Namibia and mines off-shore on the south-western coast of Namibia, at water depths of up to 140 meters. The company produces approximately 1 million carats a year, making it the largest producer of diamonds in Namibia. The world’s leader in off-shore mining technology, the company has a workforce of around 780.

The vessel was officially unveiled at a ceremony in Windhoek, Namibia last month. Speaking at the occasion, the President of the Republic of Namibia, His Excellency Hifikepunye Pohamba, said: “The partnership between the Government of Namibia and De Beers is a fantastic model for what is achievable when the private and public sectors collaborate to create meaningful economic empowerment for the people of this country.”

Otto Shikongo, CEO of Debmarine Namibia, paid tribute to the employees of the company and said: “It is through your continued hard work, diligence and commitment that Debmarine Namibia is today the largest producer of diamonds in Namibia.” He said that in 2012 the company’s turnover was around N$4 billion, the company accounting for around N$1.3 billion to the Namibian treasury in taxes including royalties, as well as N$538 million in dividends to its shareholding Company. “We believe we are unrivalled in our contribution to the Namibian Treasury in that respect”.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Mines and Energy, Isak Katali, congratulated Debmarine Namibia on its attaining ten years of operations in Namibia. The minister said: “It is pleasing that Debmarine Namibia continues to lead the world in marine mining technology and I hope that the country can grow further to enhance its position as a true global leader.”