Staff Writer
Construction has started at the Kombat Mine following a ceremonial groundbreaking on 6 February. The event marks a new phase in the restart of one of Namibia’s historic copper mines.
New Horizon Copper hosted the ceremony at the mine site. Senior company executives, government representatives, investors and members of the local community attended. The company outlined progress made so far and shared its development plans.
Operations are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. The project will follow a phased approach. Once steady operations are reached, the mine plans to double historical throughput to 60 000 tonnes of ore per month.
New Horizon Copper chief executive officer Rennie Morkel said the start of construction marks a turning point for the Kombat community and the Otjozondjupa Region after years of interruptions.
He said the company plans to develop and expand mining areas around the Asis West Shaft. The project will use sensor-based processing technology to improve efficiency. He said these steps aim to secure stable operations, contribute to the national economy and provide returns for shareholders.
Horizon Corporation co-chief executive officer Darius Ghesmati said the reopening of the mine shows the company’s confidence in Namibia as an investment destination and in the management team restoring Kombat as a copper producer.
UK-based Horizon Corporation is now the majority shareholder after acquiring Trigon’s full interest in the project. The company plans to invest more than US$24 million, about N$390 million, into the restart and expansion. Of this amount, US$4.5 million was invested during the temporary closure phase.
New Horizon Copper said the project has recorded more than 31 000 lost-time-injury-free shifts. The company has also implemented a dewatering strategy and started key civil works.
Founding shareholder and director Knowledge Katti said the project is expected to create skilled jobs and bring socio-economic benefits to the Kombat area, including improvements in housing, sanitation and access to water.
He said Epangelo Mining holds a 10% shareholding in the project, reflecting national participation.
New Horizon Copper holds an 80% interest in the Kombat Copper Mine, while Namibian partners own the remaining 20%. At full capacity, the mine is expected to process up to 60 000 tonnes of ore per month to produce copper concentrate, contributing to Namibia’s copper sector.
