Namdeb is proud to announce that Namibia’s first-ever battery-electric bus (E-bus) has arrived in Namibia. The arrival of the bus in Oranjemund aligns with Namdeb’s value of sustainability and the Company’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Namdeb has undertaken to reduce its overall diesel and electricity consumption by improving the efficiency of its processes as part of accelerating its carbon neutrality journey. This commitment further contributes to realizing Namibia’s national effort of minimizing the negative impacts of society on the environment.

The (E-bus) arrived in Oranjemund on Thursday, 5 October 2023, and was “unveiled” to employees and the Oranjemund community at an employee event on 14 October 2023. Namdeb CEO Riaan Burger expressed his excitement, stating, “No business can claim to be geared for the future and contributing to the world in a positive way unless it becomes carbon neutral. The E-bus is one such opportunity that contributes to creating a carbon-neutral future for Namdeb.” Burger further stated that the introduction of new technology requires new skill sets, as well as an opportunity to build capacity and reskill drivers and mechanics to enable them to operate and maintain the E-bus. This further demonstrates the commitment to developing and empowering employees.

The E-Bus forms part of a pilot testing in relation to battery electric vehicles to reduce the use of diesel. A total of approximately 30 drivers and 15 mechanics are expected to undergo driving and maintenance training, of which 50% have been completed since the arrival with training scheduled in sessions. Trial testing of the bus is currently underway in the town of Oranjemund. The bus is currently being prepared to ensure that it is fit for purpose both from a safety and operational side. It is envisaged to be fully operationalized once it has successfully completed the trial testing period in Oranjemund town and transferred for use in Namdeb’s Southern Coastal Mines in January 2024.

Contributed by Namdeb