Trigon Metals Inc. has suspended underground mining operations at its Kombat Mine in Namibia following a critical failure of its main dewatering pumps, the company announced.
The incident, which occurred on January 16, has raised concerns about potential flooding in the mine’s underground workings in the coming days.
Jed Richardson, CEO and Executive Chairman of Trigon Metals, described the pump failure as “an untimely challenge” but commended the site team for prioritizing worker safety.
“We applaud the team at site for acting quickly to prioritize the safety of all mine workers,” Richardson said.
As a precaution, Trigon said all underground personnel have been evacuated, and affected equipment is being removed. The company has reiterated its commitment to maintaining safety standards and is implementing measures to mitigate risks associated with the incident.
Despite the operational halt, Trigon said it remains committed to its pending transaction with Horizon Corporation Ltd., which is set to acquire the company’s interest in the Kombat Mine, with Horizon aware of the pump failure.
“Initial discussions with Horizon indicate that the transaction will go ahead with the hope of restoring operations and getting back to business in a timely manner,” Richardson added.
Trigon Metals, a publicly traded Canadian exploration and development company, focuses on copper and silver assets in Africa. In Namibia, the company holds a 100% interest in the Kalahari Copperbelt Project and an 80% interest in five mining licenses in the Otavi Mountainlands, including the Kombat Mine. Trigon also holds interests in the Silver Hill and Addana projects in Morocco.
The Kombat Mine, located in Namibia’s Otjozondjupa region, has been a key operation for Trigon, which aims to ensure its continued viability despite the recent challenges.
