Chamwe Kaira
Rosh Pinah Zinc and Appian Capital Advisory Limited, the investment adviser to long-term private capital funds, have commissioned a new paste fill plant at the Rosh Pinah mine as part of the RP2.0 expansion project.
The plant is the first commissioned paste backfill operation in Namibia. It reduces mining dilution, lowers the volume of tailings deposited on the surface and improves ore recovery.
The RP2.0 expansion project is now more than 85% complete and remains on schedule and on budget.
Once completed, the project will almost double the mine’s processing capacity to 1.3 million tonnes per year.
Completion is expected in the third quarter of 2026, with ramp-up set to begin soon after.
The new paste backfill plant allows for the safe and efficient filling of underground stopes.
This supports improved mining efficiency while reducing surface tailings. Rosh Pinah Zinc has invested in training local workers to operate and maintain the plant, helping to build technical skills within Namibia.
The RP2.0 project includes further development of the underground mine, with a new portal and decline to access extended ore bodies on strike and down dip.
It also includes the construction of new surface infrastructure such as the paste fill plant, an expanded processing facility that includes a new SAG mill, and a water treatment plant.
Alongside construction, Rosh Pinah Zinc is carrying out an extensive diamond drilling programme aimed at growing its mineral resource base and extending the mine’s life.
The general manager of Rosh Pinah Zinc, Alex Mayrick, said commissioning the paste fill plant represents another major step forward for RP2.0.
Mayrick said the facilities enhance the efficiency and sustainability of our operations.
“With construction now more than 85% complete, we are firmly on track, on schedule and on budget to deliver the RP2.0 expansion safely and responsibly. In parallel, our exploration program is delivering encouraging results, reinforcing the strong growth potential of RPZ as we continue to build a larger, longer-life operation,” said Mayrick.
Ignacio Bustamante, head of base metals at Appian, said: “The commissioning of the paste fill plant demonstrates RPZ’s ability to execute on key milestones and deliver modern, sustainable infrastructure. This achievement further strengthens RPZ’s operational foundation as we approach the final phases of construction. The ongoing exploration success highlights the upside potential beyond RP2.0, supporting long-term value creation for all stakeholders.”
Rosh Pinah Zinc is an underground zinc-lead mine in southwestern Namibia, about 800 kilometres southwest of Windhoek.
Appian acquired the mine in June 2023. The operation has been running since 1969 and produces zinc, lead and silver concentrates.
Caption
The RP2.0 expansion will nearly double Rosh Pinah Zinc’s processing capacity to 1.3 million tonnes per year.
- Photo: Contributed
