Bezant Resources PLC has outlined a four-phase plan to complete the Hope and Gorob Copper Project by August 2025.
Both processing plants are scheduled to commence operations in September 2025, according to Erongo Region Governor Neville Andre.
“This project involves the development of an open-pit and underground copper and gold mine, along with an onsite processing facility, located at the Hope Prospect, approximately 120 kilometres east of Walvis Bay,” he said.
Andre noted that the main objective of the proposed facility is to produce a high-grade copper and gold pre-concentrate that can cover the costs of transportation to the Namib Lead and Zinc Mine flotation processing plant, located 30 kilometres outside of Swakopmund, for final concentration.
“The goal is to produce a copper-gold concentrate for export through Walvis Bay and subsequent sale,” the Erongo Governor said.
Meanwhile, the project is expected to create approximately 270 new jobs directly associated with The Hope and Gorob Copper Project, as well as Namib Lead and Zinc mine operations.
“Mining, processing, rehabilitation and exploration activities at the Hope and Gorob site will employ about 186 personnel. Mineral processing to generate the final concentrate, along with group management and administration, will employ an additional estimated 87 staff at the lead and zinc facilities located outside Swakopmund,” he said.
The Governor noted that Bezant Company is also continuing its exploration programme at the Hope and Gorob site and fully expects to increase the copper and gold resources, “aiming for a minimum of 500,000 tonnes of contained copper and a mine life exceeding 25 years.”
“Onsite training related to mining and processing operations will be provided, with a focus on advancing employment opportunities.”
In addition, the company will launch a new initiative focused on Namibia’s mineral exploration subsector by establishing a training programme to develop exploration team leaders’ capabilities.
The training course will cover sampling, basic mapping, GPS operation and CEM construction and management.
“Bezant works closely with my office to ensure that appropriate socio-economic, health and educational programmes are implemented for the benefit of the community and that strong relationships with community leaders are established and maintained,” he said.