Koryx Copper is mapping out power and water supply options for its proposed Haib copper mine in southern Namibia. The company's pre-feasibility study is on schedule for publication before the end of November. Koryx said the mine's electricity demand is expected to reach 260 megavolt-amperes (MVA) at peak, with annual consumption of about 1.45 terawatt-hours (TWh).
The mine will rely on the national grid and Orange River for power and water supply. A proposed 68km, 220kV transmission line from the Harib substation will supply power, supplemented by solar generation and battery storage. Koryx is working with NamPower on the proposed grid connection, with the utility assessing the impact of the larger load on its network.
An updated offer is expected, with the final grid design targeted for November. The planned operation is expected to have crushing throughput of up to 48 million tonnes a year, adding to the project's infrastructure requirements. This will be one of the largest mining operations in Namibia, requiring significant infrastructure development.
Water supply is a key requirement for the mine, with the Orange River identified as the preferred source. A proposed abstraction point would be located about 9km south of the mine, with an off-channel storage reservoir providing additional security during periods of low river flow and drought.
The Neckartal Dam has been confirmed as technically feasible and will remain an option for a potential future expansion of the project. Koryx and NamWater have signed a memorandum of understanding to guide the water-supply design, while an Infrastructure Development Agreement is being developed to cover implementation, operation, maintenance and eventual handover of the bulk water system.
Environmental clearance applications have been submitted for the mining licence area and the proposed Orange River abstraction. The applications are supported by an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan covering the proposed open-pit mining and processing operation.
Koryx said its pre-feasibility study will provide greater clarity on the project's capital requirements and economic potential. The power and water plans remain among the key infrastructure pieces that will need to be resolved as Koryx advances the Haib project towards development. Namibia faces the challenge of balancing industrial development with water security in one of the world's driest countries.
Key points
- The Haib mine's electricity demand is expected to reach 260 megavolt-amperes (MVA) at peak.
- The mine will rely on the national grid and Orange River for power and water supply.
- Koryx's pre-feasibility study is on schedule for publication before the end of November.
