Namibia’s diamond production rebounded sharply in January 2025, with the Diamond Production Index rising by 34.9% after a 6.1% decline in December 2024, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA).
On an annual basis, the index recorded a 14.3% increase, driven by higher diamond output, as total production reached 241,393 carats, surpassing the 178,890 carats produced in December 2024 and the 211,108 carats from January 2024.
This surge in diamond production was the key driver behind the Mining Production Composite Index, which rose by 13.8% month-on-month and year-on-year.
Declines in Gold, Uranium, and Zinc Output
While diamond production surged, gold, uranium, and zinc production declined during the same period.
- Gold Production: The Gold Bullion Production Index fell 4.9% in January 2025, following a 2.0% decline in December 2024. However, year-on-year, it recorded a 2.8% increase. Gold output for January 2025 stood at 889kg, down from 935kg in December 2024, but higher than the 865kg recorded in January 2024.
- Uranium Production: The Uranium Production Index dropped 11.1% in January 2025, reversing the 44.4% growth seen in December 2024. Despite the monthly decline, year-on-year production increased 28.0%, with 796 tonnes of uranium produced in January, down from 896 tonnes in December 2024, but significantly higher than the 622 tonnes recorded in January 2024.
- Zinc Production: The Zinc Concentrate & Contained Production Index plummeted 37.4% in January 2025, reversing the 29.4% growth from December 2024. However, year-on-year, it registered a marginal 0.1% increase. Total production for January stood at 6,109 tonnes, down from 9,752 tonnes in December 2024, but slightly above the 6,104 tonnes recorded in January 2024.
The latest data highlights diamonds as the primary force driving Namibia’s mining sector while underscoring the challenges faced by other key mineral industries.
