By: Creamer media

The construction start on February 17 was officiated by New Horizon’s senior leadership members, Namibian government representatives and local community stakeholders.

Kombat is expected to start production in the fourth quarter of this year.

The company plans to undertake a phased development approach that will enable the doubling of previous throughput levels to 60 000 t a month.

“After years of operational interruptions, the start of construction at Kombat represents a break from the past as we now rebuild together for the future.

“We are confident that this substantial investment into Namibian mining, together with a renewed operational approach, will bring much-needed stability to this operation,” says New Horizon CEO Rennie Morkel.

He affirms that the targeted strategy for developing and expanding the areas around Kombat’s Asis West shaft, together with processing innovations, are expected to deliver long-term operational stability, strong fiscal contributions to the national economy of Namibia and attractive returns for all partners.

The restarting of this legacy mine is expected to ignite lasting economic hope and prosperity for the Otjozondjupa region, including by delivering skilled jobs and opportunities to communities that currently lack sanitation, proper housing and reliable water.

The community’s interests in Kombat are represented through Epangelo Mining’s 10% shareholding in the mine.