Keetmanshoop: The University of Namibia (UNAM) has inaugurated a new Rhino-Halliburton technology laboratory at its Southern Campus in Keetmanshoop. The facility, unveiled on Thursday by UNAM Vice Chancellor Professor Kenneth Matengu, is aimed at training experts in the geoscience fields to help Namibia capitalize on its rich mineral and energy resources.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Professor Matengu emphasized the importance of developing a skilled workforce to manage Namibia’s vast deposits of gold, uranium, lithium, zinc, iron ore, diamonds, and newly discovered oil and gas. He highlighted the need for public and decision-makers to recognize the value of geosciences in ensuring sustainable development. “The lab we are inaugurating today, many thanks to Rhino Resources and Halliburton, is a direct response to our government’s quest to make sure our endowments are secure and used to empower geosciences professionals,” he said.
The new laboratory is equipped with advanced technology, including hardwa
re valued at N. dollars 3.5 million from Rhino Resources and a comprehensive software package worth N. dollars 129 million from Halliburton. This software bundle includes DecisionSpace Petrophysics, DecisionSpace Geosciences 10ep, Seismic Analysis 10ep, and OpenWorks 5000.10.7.0, which are essential tools in the exploration and production sectors.
Professor Matengu reiterated UNAM’s commitment to equipping students with the scientific tools needed to contribute effectively to Namibia’s energy sector and natural resources industry. The lab will allow researchers and students to work with diverse petroleum data, generate exploration targets, and enhance hydrocarbon exploitation strategies, thereby strengthening Namibia’s national capability in geosciences.