Trigon Metals release mining update at Kombat mine

Trigon Metals released a mining update at Kombat mine in Namibia. The firm is working on the mine with plans to start mining in early 2024.

Dewatering of the underground mine began in September 2023 and is progressing well. Water levels have already decreased by 157 meters in the first month of pumping, and they are on track to fully dewater the shaft by the end of the year.

Trigon installed powerful submersible pumps in the main shaft, along with emergency backup generators to ensure uninterrupted power supply for the dewatering process. The water pumped out of the mine is potable and is directed to reservoirs near Windhoek, the capital of Namibia.

Kombat mine

An extensive hydrogeology study was conducted to better understand the water-related aspects of the mine. The installed pumps have the capacity to remove more water than the total inflow when the mine is completely drained.

Trigon Metals is expanding its mining operations, with open-pit mining already achieving commercial production. The company is processing 1,000 tonnes of ore per day and shipping 250 tonnes of concentrate per week. Plans include tripling the production profile while reducing production costs and increasing profitability.

The mining fleet for underground mining is expected to start arriving in December 2023. This will provide sufficient time to prepare stopes (underground mining areas) and train staff before the planned start-up. The Kombat mine is seen as an important project for Namibia, particularly for the Kombat community. It is expected to provide sustainable benefits, including a minimum of 800 direct jobs. The project has already contributed to supplying underground water to the Namibian national water company.