Byrnecut in Namibia: Investing in People, Skills and a Sustainable Mining Future

Developing Namibian Talent Through Mechanised Mining

Byrnecut currently delivers world class mechanised underground mining services at B2Gold Otjikoto Mine's Wolfshag and Antelope underground operations and QKR’s Navachab Mine. These projects utilise modern equipment, advanced mining systems and internationally recognised operating practices that drive productivity, efficiency and safety.

Importantly, they also provide opportunities for Namibians to gain valuable hands-on experience and build careers in the underground mining sector.

At Otjikoto, Byrnecut employs 134 Namibians. Employees are currently undertaking training in advanced loader operations, production drilling, charging, drill fitting and high-voltage switching. The site's National Maintenance Traineeship Program is developing the next generation of maintenance professionals, with 33 Namibian employees participating and 13 already achieving Level 2 competency status.

International Byrnecut specialists work closely with local teams to ensure skills and knowledge are transferred directly to Namibian employees, creating a highly capable workforce equipped for the future of underground mining.

At Navachab, Byrnecut employs 77 Namibians, reaching 70% of the site's workforce. Through structured development pathways, employees have progressed from entry-level roles into specialised positions across safety, logistics, purchasing and supervision. These success stories reflect Byrnecut's commitment to long-term career development and leadership growth.

Creating Opportunities in Local Communities

Our impact reaches well beyond the mine sites themselves.

Across our Namibian operations, 105 employees come from regional communities surrounding mines, ensuring that the economic benefits of mining are shared locally. As our operations continue to grow, Byrnecut expects to create an additional 34 employment opportunities over the next 12 months, including 10 positions at Otjikoto and 24 positions at Navachab.

Supporting Local Businesses

Building local capability is a key part of our approach.

Since commencing operations in Namibia, Byrnecut has spent more than N$250 million with Namibian suppliers and contractors and currently works with 63 local businesses. With local expenditure averaging approximately N$20 million per month, our procurement activities help stimulate economic growth and create opportunities throughout the national mining supply chain.

A Strong Commitment to Safety

Safety is the foundation of everything we do.

While underground mining is often perceived as high risk, modern mechanised mining methods, robust systems and ongoing training have transformed safety performance across the industry. Byrnecut has achieved more than 1.79 million Lost Time Injury-free manhours across its Namibian operations, including 1.66 million LTI-free manhours at Otjikoto.

These results reflect our unwavering commitment to ensuring every employee returns home safely at the end of every shift.

Investing in Namibia's Future

Byrnecut's investment in Namibia is ultimately an investment in people.
A recent example is Irene Kavhura, Byrnecut's first Namibian Mining Engineering intern and a final-year University of Namibia student currently undertaking her research project at Navachab. Her journey reflects our commitment to supporting emerging talent and creating pathways for future mining professionals.

As Namibia's mining industry continues to evolve, Byrnecut remains focused on developing local skills, creating meaningful employment, supporting local businesses and building the national capability needed to sustain long-term growth.

Together with our employees, partners and communities, we are helping shape a stronger future for Namibia's mining industry.

"My study focuses on drilling and ground support costs in underground development at Navachab. Working with Byrnecut has pushed me to connect what I learn in class with what actually happens underground, and I continue to learn something new every day while working with people across different mining disciplines." - Irene Kavhura