Overview
Namibia reported total gold production in 2002 of 2,815 kg, of which 165 kg was recovered as a by-product of blister copper at the Tsumeb smelter. Namibia currently has one producing gold mine, Navachab which is owned by AngloGold Ashanti. Due to the improved financial returns, evaluation of the viability of the postponed open pit phased expansion project was recommenced during 2002. Additional drilling and improved geological information increased the reserves. Implementation of the ‘Eastern Pushback Project’ was approved in September 2002, under which the life of the mine will be extended to at least 2013, and the volume of gold produced more than tripled from 204,000 oz/y to 660,000 oz/y. The project involves extending the open pit by 85 m in length and deepening it by 40 m to new depth of 230 m. Production from the new mining area is due to start in early 2004. However, a very hard footwall ore zone will have to be mined, presenting problems in terms of milling throughput. Ways to cost-effectively obtain better fragmentation in mining operations to alleviate this envisaged problem are under investigation. Navachab has also launched a conceptual prefeasibility study into a further mine expansion project to evaluate the viability of a major pit enlargement, which is not expected to be completed until 2004. This would provide for a probable doubling of the milling rate and extension of the mine’s life until about 2020.
Organisations (2)
Berg Aukas Ltd, Navachab Gold Mine :[ Add More ]
Facilities (19)
Atlantic 1, Block 9, Block G – Namibia, Daberas, Diamond Area 1, Elizabeth Bay mine, Haib, Khusib Springs, Kombat, Marshall’s Fork, Navachab, Omaue Mine, Otjihase, Rosh Pinah, Rossing, Skorpion, Tantalite Valley, Tsumeb, Tsumkwe
Participating Organisations
AngloGold Ashanti Limited
AngloGold Ashanti solely owns and operates the Navachab Gold mine located in central Namibia.