Namdeb Diamond Corporation (Pty) Ltd was founded in 1994, although Namdeb’s rich history goes as far back as 1920 when diamond-mining companies along the Orange River were amalgamated to form Consolidated Diamond Mines (CDM).
Namdeb is a wholly owned subsidiary of Namdeb Holdings (Pty) Ltd, which is a 50/50 joint venture between the Government of Namibia and the De Beers Group. Namdeb’s primary business is diamond exploration and mining along the southwest coast and inland areas of Namibia’s //Kharas Region. The mainland-based operations are found close to the town of Oranjemund while additional activity takes place at satellite mines along the Orange River.
The transformation of Oranjemund is a deliberate work programme initiated by Namdeb in collaboration with the OTC and the citizens of the town aimed at normalizing the previously mine-owned and mine-managed town. The goals include ensuring the privatization of properties, finding sustainable solutions for education and healthcare services, severing the critical economic reliance on Namdeb, and helping facilitate a sustainable economic safety net that also allows future town growth.
Economic transformation success criteria, informed by macro-economic studies, include the establishment of large industries or businesses, a number of small or medium enterprises and job creation or equal value opportunities. To achieve this, a standalone Special Purpose Vehicle, the Section 21 (not for profit) company, OMDis Town Transform Agency (Pty) Ltd. (OMDis), was established. Namdeb committed to financially supporting the economic diversification of Oranjemund through OMDis until 2030.
