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In a recent sit-down with Namibia Mining Review, Eliphas Hawala, CEO of Epangelo Mining Company, shared how his vision and persistence are helping reshape the country’s mineral landscape.
Appointed CEO in 2010, Hawala brings decades of experience, beginning in 1995 at the Ministry of Mines and Energy and later at Namdeb. Under his leadership, Epangelo has evolved from a fledgling state-owned company into a strategic force in Namibia’s mining ecosystem, holding interests in key projects such as the Navachab Gold Mine and the rapidly advancing Kokoseb Gold Project.
“When I joined Epangelo, we didn’t own any real assets,” Hawala reflects. “Today, we have strategic stakes in important projects. We focused on securing licenses, adding value through exploration, and attracting investors to develop Namibia’s mineral wealth.”
One of Epangelo’s major achievements is its 7.5% stake in the Navachab Gold Mine, Namibia’s first commercial gold operation, ensuring Namibian representation in critical resources. Additionally, the Kokoseb Gold Project, developed in partnership with WIA Gold, has emerged as a promising asset, with recent estimates placing the resource at over 1.3 million ounces of gold.
Unlike traditional mining operators, Epangelo’s strategy revolves around exploration and partnerships. “At this stage, we don’t aim to operate large mines ourselves,” Hawala explains. “We focus on de-risking projects and inviting partners to co-invest. But eventually, we aspire to operate independently as we build capacity.”
Despite successes, the road has not been easy. Funding limitations, staffing challenges, and competition for exploration licenses have tested the company’s resilience. Hawala believes these challenges underscore the vital role Epangelo plays. “Post-independence, there was little private investment in exploration. Epangelo exists to fill that gap, to take risks others wouldn’t.”
Beyond economics, Hawala is committed to sustainability. “Mining isn’t just about extracting minerals, it’s about leaving a positive footprint on people, the economy, and the environment,” he says. Epangelo is consciously moving away from environmentally risky ventures like coal and investing in minerals critical to the global energy transition, such as lithium.
In terms of social impact, Epangelo also supports small-scale miners, providing technical and financial assistance to integrate them into the formal mining economy. Hawala, who is currently pursuing studies in corporate social responsibility, emphasizes the need for measurable, lasting benefits from mining activities.
The CEO is also keenly aware of how technology is reshaping the sector. “Artificial intelligence, robotics, and data analytics are the future. While machines may take on more operational tasks, human insight and leadership remain irreplaceable.”
Looking ahead, Epangelo is eyeing new ventures including a salt mining operation at Cape Cross and a copper project in Namibia’s Kunene Region. Hawala believes these projects, combined with strategic investments in gold, uranium, and green energy minerals, position Epangelo at the forefront of a new era.
For young Namibians aspiring to join the mining sector, Hawala’s advice is simple but powerful: “Dream big. Your circumstances don’t limit you. Hard work, focus, and belief in your abilities will take you far.”
With Eliphas Hawala at the helm, Epangelo Mining Company is not just securing mineral wealth. It’s laying the foundation for a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous Namibian future.
