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ARTICLE · 27 OCTOBER 2026

Defining "Continuous Operations” In Mining: Legal Lessons From The Uis Tin Mine Declaration

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr
Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr
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Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr

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Namibia's Labour Act requires mining operations to obtain ministerial approval before implementing continuous shifts, with strict limitations on shift duration and ongoing compliance obligations. The recent Uis Tin Mine declaration demonstrates how continuous-operation status provides a framework for 24/7 production while maintaining worker protections around overtime, rest periods, and remuneration for night work and public holidays.

NamibiaEmployment and HR
Shereef Martin
Shereef Martin
Patrick Uaurikirua Kauta
Patrick Uaurikirua Kauta

Mining operations are rarely confined to conventional working hours. Processing plants, mining fleets, laboratories, engineering functions and other critical services may need to operate continuously to maximize production and efficiently utilise capital-intensive infrastructure.

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At a glance

    • Uis Tin Mining Company (Pty) Ltd (Uis Tin Mine) was recently granted continuous-operation status.
    • A mine that intends to operate continuously must ensure that its production model is supported by the necessary section 15 declaration and that the resulting workforce arrangements remain compliant with the broader Labour Act 11 of 2007 framework.
  • The Uis Tin Mine declaration provides an important reminder that continuous production requires continuous compliance.

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