Rosh Pinah Zinc Corporation has begun construction of the WF3 Primary Exhaust Raise, which the company says is the largest diameter raise bore ever attempted in Namibia.
The project involves two vertical shafts, each measuring 5.1 metres in diameter, with a combined depth of 542 metres.
It forms part of Rosh Pinah’s RP2.0 Expansion Project, which aims to increase annual ore production from 700,000 to 1.3 million tonnes by 2027.
According to Gabriel Uutoni, Ventilation Engineer at Rosh Pinah, the new system is vital for enabling deeper mining while ensuring safe working conditions.
“The new exhaust raise is essential to meet our future ventilation needs as we deepen our operations. It is an investment in both productivity and our people’s wellbeing,” Uutoni said in a company said.
The shafts are more than three times wider and 20 times deeper than existing ones at the mine, requiring a high level of technical execution.
The company has contracted Master Drilling to carry out the work, citing the firm’s experience and familiarity with the site.
Liina Kahenge, Principal Mining Engineer for Technical Services at Rosh Pinah, said the choice of contractor was based on Master Drilling’s long-standing record of reliable delivery.
“Master Drilling has been delivering high-quality work for RPZ for years, including critical production slot raise and paste fill drilling. Their technical readiness, in-country experience, and proven ability to execute complex jobs made them the clear choice for this strategic project,” she said.
The first shaft will connect the surface to the 200 Level, covering 219 metres, while the second will extend a further 323 metres from the 200 Level down to the -120 Level.
According to the company, pilot drilling began in June 2025 and is expected to continue through February 2026 using Master Drilling’s 97R machine.
Head of Operations Richard Murrell warned that any delays in the project could have major financial consequences.
“Any postponement would jeopardise the RP2.0 schedule and cost the mine significantly in lost production time. Fast-tracking this project is both technically necessary and economically prudent,” Murrell said.
The ventilation system upgrade includes the construction of a concrete pad, new ventilation control and safety systems, and pilot holes of 0.38 metres in diameter that will be reamed to 5.1 metres.
The improvements are designed to boost airflow and underground working conditions, which are particularly important for diesel-powered mining equipment.
Senior Mine Planner and Vent Shaft Project Manager Alexander Shapumba said the new raise bore represents more than just an infrastructure development.
“This is more than just another raise bore, it is a symbol of innovation, ambition, and the confidence we have in our people and partners to deliver world-class solutions. It will enable our team to mine smarter, deeper, and safer,” Shapumba said.
The 2.0 expansion project includes constructing new processing facilities, including adding a paste fill and water treatment plant, a dedicated portal, and a decline to extended deposits.
The project will increase mill throughput from 0.7 million tons to 1.3 million tons of ore per annum on average, increasing zinc equivalent production to 170 million pounds per annum.
