QKR Namibia Navachab Gold Mine is taking important steps toward establishing underground mining operations as part of its long-term strategy to sustain and expand production.
Following a successful trial mining phase and encouraging geological results, the mine has progressed with underground development aimed at unlocking additional mineral resources that cannot be economically mined through open-pit methods.
Underground Mining Project Manager, Venancio Guchu, said the current phase of development is focused on creating access for exploration drilling and gathering critical geological data required for future mining decisions.
“QKR Namibia Navachab Gold Mine is currently assessing the potential for a full underground mining operation following a successful trial mining phase conducted a few years ago. The geological continuity and geotechnical evaluations produced encouraging results,” said Guchu.
The underground work is concentrated on the Main Shoot and North Shoot mineralised zones located north of the existing open pits. The orebody remains open at depth, indicating further exploration potential and future growth opportunities for the mine.
Safety remains a key priority for the project, with strict underground safety measures, controlled blasting methods and continuous geotechnical monitoring being implemented to ensure safe working conditions underground.
“We continue to conduct geotechnical drilling and analysis to ensure that our underground designs remain safe and reliable. By continuously focusing on safety, we ensure that underground operations are carefully managed and that employees are always protected,” Guchu added.
The project is also contributing to employment creation and skills development for Namibians through collaboration with underground mining contractor Byrnecut. Currently, 58 national employees are involved in the project, including 30 from the Karibib area.
Development activities are progressing steadily, with approximately 390 metres completed along the Main Shoot decline. The first blast for the current phase was successfully carried out on 20 December 2025, while exploration drilling is expected to commence during the third quarter of 2026.
Despite challenges associated with balancing open-pit and underground activities, strong collaboration between departments has enabled the project to remain on track as Navachab moves closer toward future underground production.
Contributed by QKR Namibia, Navachab gold mine
