SRIMEX Metals and Minerals intends to establish a N$300 million copper processing plant east of Khorixas in the Kunene Region.
The project is expected to significantly boost the local economy and employ around 250 people, including machine operators, engineers, administration, and technical support staff.
The project’s lifespan will depend on the continuous supply of copper ore to the processing facility.
“The project is estimated to cost around N$300 million. The proponent will also enter into a long-term agreement with the Vocational Training Centre, which is anticipated to open at Khorixas, to offer internship opportunities to apprentices in relevant courses,” said a report seen by M&E.
The plant will process over five tonnes of copper per hour, sourcing raw materials from small-scale miners with valid mining claims in the region.
Efforts will be made to enter into commercial agreements with exclusive prospecting licence (EPL) holders to develop some assets into commercial ventures.
“SRIMEX Metals and Minerals (Pty) Ltd will source funding and technical capacity from its partners in India to develop such assets,” the report states.
The company has agreed with the owner of Farm Esau Somaeb to lease Portion A of Farm Voluteer 106, with an option to purchase.
“Thereafter, the company will purchase the farm as per the conditions of the agreement. The company intends to establish and operate a copper processing facility that employs the copper ore beneficiation process, including gravity separation and flotation separation,” the report said.
The process will involve crushing, grinding, sieving, flotation separation, and dewatering. The project will use limited energy and water, with about 100 cubic metres of water used to produce one ton of copper.
Water will be reused and recycled, and electricity will be sourced from existing infrastructure.
“Water will come from existing boreholes on the farm, which will be rehabilitated and retrofitted. To support small-scale miners, copper ore will be sourced from local miners with valid claims near Khorixas and Kamanjab. If demand increases, areas such as Opuwo will be considered,” the report noted.
This comes as the region has a high concentration of copper, and many small-scale miners with valid claims are involved in copper mining.
However, they lack facilities to process the mined raw materials locally, despite government emphasis on local processing.
“The demand for copper is anticipated to continue escalating due to its wide utilisation. Copper is extensively used in manufacturing electric cables and other electric appliances because it conducts heat and electricity very well and can also be drawn into wires,” said the report.
Copper can also be used in construction for roofing and plumbing, as well as in industrial machinery for heat exchange purposes.
The project has received certification from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.
