Trigon Metals is set to commence the first phase of underground mining at Kombat with a 10-year mine life.
The company is gearing up for this phase in early 2024, targeting an average copper grade of 2.6%.
The underground mine’s dewatering, initiated in September 2023, is now complete, and in December 2023, the company began an underground training program for staff.
“In 2023, we initiated open-pit mining operations at the Kombat Mine. In 2024, the underground Phase 1 will recommence, targeting an average copper grade of 2.6% with a 10-year mine life,” Trigon stated in a notice.
The company also revealed that Epiroc Namibia has delivered brand-new underground utility vehicles, gearing up for the start of underground operations in early 2024.
“The first phase of underground mining is scheduled to kick off in early 2024, and underground training programs will continue for the next few months to ensure that our team is well-prepared to navigate the specific challenges associated with underground mining,” the company said.
Jed Richardson, President and CEO of Trigon, mentioned last year that the expansion of the mill’s throughput and the imminent initiation of underground mining are expected to triple the production profile while reducing production costs and enhancing profitability.
“Now that open-pit mining has achieved commercial production, processing 1,000 tonnes per day of ore and shipping 250 tonnes of concentrate a week, it is important to understand that work is well underway to expand the mill’s throughput and commence mining from the underground, leading to a tripling of the production profile while lowering production costs and amplifying profitability,” said the CEO.
In July and August 2023, the company installed two powerful 2.5MW submersible pumps in the main shaft at Asis West. Additionally, 7.2MW of emergency backup generators were put in place to guarantee uninterrupted power supply, a critical factor for efficient mining activities.
Richardson noted that the water extracted from the mine is potable and is directed into an open canal that feeds reservoirs near Windhoek.
Trigon undertook an extensive hydrogeology study to comprehend the water dynamics associated with the mine, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility.
In October, Kombat Copper Mine in Namibia produced 901 concentrate tonnes at a grade of 29.2% copper and 241 g/t silver.
“In a month that saw the plant reach commercial production and our first concentrate sales, concentrate production topped expectations. We are on track to record an operating profit on October’s production and are very pleased with the efforts of the team and the performance of the mine and mill,” Richardson said.
