4 Plant Closure:

[Michael Alexander]

I don't work for the mine, but we depend on them spending their money in the shop.... as there numbers decrease, so will our workforce, currently 74...... so we'll still squeeze a few more years outta it....

[Dalene Steenkamp (Coetzee)]

What are the possibilities, in light of all the rumors that are becoming facts now, that the whole town may be privatised?  Will the residents who want to stay on be allowed to purchase their houses from NAMDEB?  I am thinking in the line of starting a total private town with private hospital facilities, holiday resort development, maybe a Golf Estate development, etc etc.  Could be worth trying to find out about it.  You never know - some guy may just have enough money to start investing in something like that, and the rest will follow.

[Michael Alexander]

Dalene, I cannot comment right now, time factor, but I will later on tonite...that idea was mine for a while, but nobody here wants to listen, especially the politicians, not that the time is almost here, they scurry around , like rats on the sinking ship.....

[georgswa (Georg Ruf) (RIP)]

@ Mike

I remember when i started at CDM 1973, they said maximum 15 years left for mining.

Looking at it that way, it lasted much longer.

If Namdeb pulls out, the town has to operate like a community.

That means extra Tax and all things necessary to keep it going.

Start forming a party for upcoming elections of a mayor.......That has to and will happen, i see no other way and future.

The throughway will be used by tourists. The mine can become like a museum ( if they dont demolish )

Oranjemund Gateway to Lüderitz and or Richtersveld.

The Mine Dumps will attract stone collectors. The old Dumps will be ideal. I expect less crushed stones then i.e. at the newer plants 1 to 4 Plant.

Affenrücken could have been used as a stop for touries....

Hope they dont smash the whole place to pieces unless they are obliged to do so. Once its gone it is to late....

Take care

[Yvette Kroukamp (Biccard)]

Hi Mike,

Concerning Namdeb, I actually heard the same thing from a source in Kimberley. This seems to be a reality for a number of mines still in operation.  A shift in industry for De Beers perhaps? Is buying and selling looking more attractive?

I wonder when the CTP treatment plant will be a target too if not already. Many believe that when the "movers and shakers" started leaving Kimberley, investment in this ol' mining town began to flourish. Investment just seems to be pouring in. I know we have the "groot gat" and all but geez, it certainly took a long time to upgrade and make it more appealing for tourists. After all the bucks, this here ol' mining town definitely didnt go places either. So all is not lost here but for Oranjemund, it appears bleak regardless of Life of Mine, predictions etc.

I do think that Georgswa has a valid point, a gateway to Luderitz and more emphasis placed on the Richtersveld in terms of tourism can only be beneficial to Namibia and then Omund can surely benefit.  This should be taken up with the company sooner rather than at the last minute. Its time to put back what they've taken for so many years.

Who knows maybe a hotel or two.  A tourist destination is not a bad idea.   

[Michael Alexander]

There have been moves afoot for the last 3 years to try and get the future of Omund secured after the diamonds are finished, but one gets the impression DeBEers just are'nt that interested...Oh Ya! They like having meeting after meeting, but nothing actually happens... a good place to start would be to transfer ownership of the buildings in town to private people......

[Mike Stenson (RIP)]

i get the impression that some people think oranjemund is becoming empty.
but the fact is that oranjemund is jammed packed full.
not all people work for namdeb (cdm) like the old days.

there is no accommodation to be had anyware.

i see from Alfreds photos the gemmies are using Advanced transport to move out of town.

 

[Michael Alexander]

Hehehe ... and there's a heck of a lot of those advance trucks in town......  The company should address all th confusion so we know what's happening to our future's

[Michael Alexander]

I believe the workers at 4 plant were told to go home today and to take any leave due to them... the plant was switched off...... Anyone know more?

[Michael Alexander]

Has the corner been turned? Hearing chatter on the shop floor that the PTF plant might be reopened again...... anyone know something?