At the forefront of this involvement is Angelique Peake, Sector Head for Oil & Gas, Energy and Resources at RMB Namibia, who brings not just financial acumen but a nuanced understanding of geology, engineering, and development economics to the table.

The Commerce and Industry Review Magazine sat down with Angelique to explore RMB’s strategic role in mining, the evolving investment landscape, the critical intersection between energy and minerals, and how inclusive development can be embedded in mining-led growth.

“We’re Not Just Bankers. We’re Sector Specialists.”

Angelique begins by offering an important clarification. “Mining is more than an industry; it’s a national engine. At RMB, we’ve grown alongside the mining sector, and it’s now a strategic pillar of our work.”

Namibia’s mining sector, which includes diamonds, uranium, copper, gold, and zinc, remains a vital contributor to the GDP and national foreign exchange reserves. It also stimulates a wide array of supporting industries, from transport to logistics, and equipment supply to consulting. For RMB, understanding this web of dependencies is essential.

“We don’t bank mining companies the way we’d bank a retail outlet,” she explains. “Our team includes mining engineers, geologists, and sector specialists who assess the full lifecycle of a mine, from feasibility to closure. It’s about knowing what lies underground, and how viable it is to extract.”

Today, RMB is the banking partner to over 85% of Namibia’s mining sector.

Technical Knowledge as a Financial Lever

This technical grounding is not a branding gimmick, it’s embedded into RMB’s financing strategy.

“Understanding ore grades, extraction costs, and commodity cycles helps us structure financial solutions that work through the ups and downs of mining,” Angelique says.

Take uranium, for example. A few years ago, weak prices meant the sector saw little in the way of new investment or activity. But the global pivot toward clean energy has since reinvigorated uranium operations, and RMB has been agile in helping clients respond to that resurgence.

The Mining Expo, more Than Just Networking

RMB’s commitment to platforms like the Mining Expo and Conference is rooted in its long-term view. “It’s not just sponsorship,” Angelique clarifies. “We use these platforms to engage, educate, and collaborate. We walk the journey with our clients.”

And it’s been a pivotal year. The development of a new gold mine, renewed copper exploration, and momentum in uranium projects have signalled renewed investor confidence. However, not all is smooth sailing.

“Diamonds, historically a top performer, are under pressure. We’re also seeing regulatory uncertainty and infrastructure constraints, especially around water,” she notes.

Nonetheless, Angelique is optimistic: “Namibia’s energy transition is an opportunity, not just a constraint. Renewable energy and green hydrogen could redefine what’s possible for both the mining and energy sectors.”

Inclusive Growth; Mining’s Next Frontier

But can mining translate into improved living standards? The disconnect between economic performance and community upliftment is one that RMB is actively addressing.

“It’s a valid concern,” she admits. “Some mines do incredible work, such as B2Gold or Rössing; -but benefits are often localised.”

RMB supports the idea of a national mining Corporate Social Incensement (CSI) fund currently under discussion, as a mechanism to spread impact more equitably across regions. At the same time, RMB assesses each client’s Environmental Social Governance (ESG) practices and has pioneered sustainability-linked finance.

“In these models, a mine’s access to favourable financing is tied directly to its ESG performance,” says Angelique. “It’s about aligning profit with purpose.”

Beyond the Mine – Financing the Value Chain

What truly sets RMB apart is its ecosystemic approach.

“We map out the mining ecosystem from SMEs and contractors to logistics firms and caterers,” she explains. “For every mining job, there are seven supported jobs. We bank that entire value chain.”

Through collaboration with FNB’s commercial, SME, and retail divisions, RMB delivers financial education, credit access, and long-term planning tools to workers, suppliers, and service providers.

“This amplifies impact. We’re not just funding the mine; we’re financing the multiplier effect.”

Emerging Opportunities – Beneficiation and Green Growth

Looking ahead, Angelique sees potential in mineral beneficiation, though she’s careful to temper expectations.

“Beneficiation depends on production volumes. Namibia doesn’t always produce enough of a single mineral to justify large-scale processing facilities. But with collaboration and regional partnerships, that could change.”

Meanwhile, energy remains the decisive variable. “Without reliable power, no mine can function. That’s why RMB is watching developments in renewables and green hydrogen so closely,” she says.

A Sector and a Country in Transition

“Mining in Namibia isn’t just about extraction, it’s about nation-building and finance plays a pivotal role in shaping what that future looks like.”

With RMB at the helm of both finance and sector expertise, Namibia’s mining value chain is not only being banked, it’s being transformed.

As Namibia’s mining industry navigates shifting global dynamics, domestic infrastructure gaps, and a growing emphasis on sustainability, RMB Namibia remains firmly positioned as more than a financier, it is a strategic partner championing transformation, resilience, and shared growth.

Driving Value Addition through Battery Minerals and Renewable Energy

Namibia’s mineral wealth, spanning everything from uranium and diamonds to lithium, tin, and copper, has drawn global attention in the race toward a green future. Angelique sees growing potential not just in extraction, but in beneficiation and value addition, especially for battery minerals.

“Namibia could position itself as a player in the battery minerals supply chain,” she explains. “We may not match the volumes of larger producers, but by focusing on niche opportunities like tin or lithium, we can explore local processing or component manufacturing that adds value before export.”

Supporting this ambition is another game-changer; -renewable energy.

“Mines are increasingly looking to reduce their reliance on NamPower,” Angelique says. “Energy independence through solar and wind not only reduces operational costs and emissions but also mitigates supply risks.”

Several mining operations have already begun integrating renewables into their power mix, a trend that aligns with RMB’s broader investment in clean energy finance.

Securing Water for a Thirsty Sector

Water, often overshadowed by energy, is emerging as a critical constraint for Namibia’s mines, especially those operating along the coast.

“Red tide events, which disrupt seawater intake at the Orano desalination plant, have caused significant interruptions in supply,” Angelique notes. “For a mine, a water shortage can halt production and that’s extraordinarily costly.”

This has seen a surge in interest in private desalination, on-site water recycling, and strategic storage solutions.

“These aren’t just operational fixes, they’re also investment opportunities,” she adds. “RMB is actively exploring financing structures to support these initiatives, given their long-term strategic value.”

Strengthening the Ecosystem -Services, Skills, and SMEs

RMB’s commitment extends well beyond mine sites. The institution has been instrumental in fostering a robust network of local service providers, from logistics firms to engineering companies and equipment suppliers.

“Namibia has made real progress in developing homegrown capacity,” says Angelique.

“But there’s still significant room to grow, especially in attracting capital, improving skills, and enabling locally owned and women-led enterprises to scale up.”

By leveraging the FirstRand ecosystem and collaborating with FNB, RMB is supporting this transformation via supplier development programs, working capital facilities, and training initiatives tailored for the mining ecosystem.

“Our goal is to build an inclusive, reliable support base for the sector. Every dollar spent locally multiplies through the economy.”

A Rallying Message for Mining Expo Stakeholders

With the Chamber of Mines Expo as a key industry gathering, Angelique delivered a clear message to all stakeholders:

“Mining has always been and continues to be a cornerstone of Namibia’s economy. While we need to be realistic about the constraints on beneficiation and scaling, there are exciting prospects across uranium, copper, tin, and lithium that are aligned with the global green transition; -”and RMB wants to be there for all of it.

“Whether you’re launching a new project, scaling operations, or just exploring opportunities along the value chain, RMB is here to walk that journey with you,” she says. “From financing infrastructure to supporting SMEs, we bring solutions that unlock potential.”

A Deepening Strategic Partnership with the Chamber of Mines

RMB’s collaboration with the Chamber of Mines has matured into a cornerstone of its mining strategy.

“What began as a modest sponsorship has grown into a full-fledged partnership,” Angelique reflects. “We’ve proudly headlined the Mining Expo for several consecutive years, and we plan to continue.”

This enduring commitment reflects a shared understanding that the sector’s future depends on adapting to evolving technology, regulation, and public expectations.

“We’re not just funding mines we’re co-creating solutions for a sustainable mining future,” she adds. “Whether it’s ESG-linked lending or infrastructure finance, our partnership with the Chamber helps us remain responsive and innovative.”

Navigating Global Trade Uncertainty- The Trump effect

Recent global geopolitical tensions and talk of tariffs, particularly from the United States, have raised questions about how such dynamics may affect Namibia’s mineral exports.

Angelique offers reassurance: “The majority of our mining clients export to South Africa, Europe, or Asia. So, while changes in U.S. trade policy are relevant, the direct impact on Namibian exporters has been minimal.”

She notes that commodities such as uranium are often classified as strategic and are less susceptible to punitive tariffs. In rare cases where exporters have faced challenges, they’ve pivoted to alternative markets without significant disruption.

“While we monitor global developments closely, RMB’s mining portfolio remains resilient.”

A Final Word- Long-Term Commitment, Local Impact

In conclusion, Angelique underscores RMB Namibia’s enduring dedication to the sector.

“From established players to new entrants, from regulators to community leaders, we value every relationship. We are here to build, adapt, and grow together. RMB is all in.”

With its unique blend of technical expertise, financial innovation, and ecosystem thinking, RMB is not only financing Namibia’s mines, it’s investing in a future where mining fuels broad-based, inclusive, and sustainable development.