Since last reported on developments at Kombat Mine, significant progress has been made by New Horizon Copper in transforming this legacy operation into one of Namibia’s leading examples of a modern, responsible mining operation.
A great deal has changed since copper production first began at Kombat Mine in 1962. At the time, copper traded at an equivalent of around US$700 per tonne. Today, copper prices are approximately 20 times higher, presenting an economic opportunity for the mine’s operators and reinforcing Kombat’s strategic importance in supplying a metal that is essential to the global energy transition.
It is not only the value of copper that has changed. Since Horizon Corporation assumed ownership of Kombat Mine in December 2025, the operation has continued to undergo a fundamental transformation.
Guided by a long-term vision, the company is implementing a modern mining approach that combines innovative technology, operational resilience and responsible resource development.
The objective is clear: to unlock Kombat’s full potential while building a sustainable mining operation that delivers lasting economic opportunities and creates meaningful benefits for the surrounding communities.
What has changed in the first eight months of ownership?
Firstly, the investment required to transform Kombat into a modern, responsible mining business capable of achieving its full potential has increased.
To meet modern efficiency standards and support responsible and sustainable mining methods, the initial investment has increased to N$462 million, with a long-term development programme approaching N$1 billion envisioned.
This investment is being used to modernise the operation, processing facilities and supporting infrastructure as part of a long-term development approach.
A successful investment, however, is built on more than capital. It requires the right people to turn a vision into reality.
At New Horizon Copper, attracting, developing and retaining exceptional talent has been a key priority from the outset.
The company continues to recruit skilled mining professionals from across Namibia while investing in local skills development and supporting education initiatives within surrounding communities.
NHC also benefits from the strategic guidance and international mining expertise of its majority shareholder, private international mining company Horizon Corporation, which provides a strong foundation for the long-term success of Kombat Mine.
“Investment alone doesn’t build a successful mining operation; it takes the commitment, expertise and determination of the people behind it that make the difference.
“While we continue to manage this significant investment in Kombat Mine, we are so proud of the energy and dedication our team brings to this project.
“In a remarkably short period of time, we have laid the foundations for a modern, resilient and sustainable operation, and that gives us great confidence in what we will achieve together in the years ahead.”
— Rennie Morkel, Chief Executive Officer
A new approach to mine dewatering
A new approach to dewatering at Kombat Mine has also been adopted by the NHC leadership team, addressing one of the historic challenges that has affected the operation.
Water ingress into the underground workings has long been a feature of the mine. However, a new two-phase strategy has been implemented to introduce greater resilience, redundancy and long-term reliability.
In partnership with local Namibian supplier KSB Pumps & Valves Namibia (Pty) Ltd., approximately 3,000 m³ of water per hour will initially be removed over a six-week period.
The operation will use six newly acquired, state-of-the-art stainless-steel KSB UPA400-750/06 DD submersible borehole pumps.
Explaining KSB Namibia’s involvement in Kombat’s dewatering solution, Kenneth Kasita, Sales Manager at KSB Namibia, said the immediate objective is to reduce underground water levels to approximately 450 metres below surface.
This will allow a second permanent pumping station to be developed over the following two months.
“Once commissioned, the second pump station will take over primary pumping duties, while our original six pumps will remain in place as a backup system, providing additional operational security.”
— Kenneth Kasita, Sales Manager, KSB Namibia
At steady state, the second underground station will maintain continuous pumping of approximately 2,400 m³ per hour, establishing a stable, long-term water management system to support the safe recommencement of underground mining operations.
Introducing advanced ore-sorting technology
Another significant transformation initiative adopted at Kombat Mine is the introduction of advanced ore-sorting technology.
Supplied by STEINERT GmbH, a company well established within the Namibian mining industry, the state-of-the-art XRT Sensor-Based Sorting system will improve operational efficiency by identifying and separating valuable mineralised material from waste rock before processing.
Building on the successful implementation of this technology at Horizon Corporation’s Milford Mining Company operation in Utah, the system will help unlock additional value from Kombat’s existing resource while reducing energy consumption, water usage, reagent requirements and tailings volumes.
The new Sensor-Based Sorting system provides a practical solution by enabling the reprocessing of historic surface stockpiles containing low-grade ores and mineralised waste.
Placing the community at the centre
Arguably the most important outcome of the new approach adopted by NHC at Kombat is the decision to place the local community at the front and centre of its plans.
The company recognises that a sustainable mining operation can only be achieved through a strong and lasting partnership with the people who live and work alongside the mine.
In a relatively short period, NHC has already delivered several initiatives focused on improving community wellbeing and creating shared value.
These include restoring a reliable water supply at Kombat Pre-Primary School, improving the safety, health and learning environment for young children, and establishing a local vendor registration office to support small and medium-sized businesses in and around Kombat.
Partnerships with local law enforcement and community volunteers have also strengthened public services and expanded the reach of community support programmes.
The company has enhanced emergency medical response services, introduced a dedicated employee transport service to improve access to work and supported local health-awareness initiatives.
The initiative promoted healthy nutrition among learners while raising awareness of cancer prevention, early detection and the vital support provided by the Cancer Association of Namibia.
NHC’s ongoing community initiatives reflect the company’s belief that the future success of Kombat Mine must be measured not only by production, but also by the positive and lasting impact created for the surrounding community.
Creating value beyond mineral production
As New Horizon Copper continues to invest in the transformation of Kombat Mine, the project is demonstrating how responsible mining can create value far beyond mineral production.
Through significant capital investment, local procurement, skills development, technological innovation and meaningful community partnerships, Kombat is being positioned as a long-term contributor to Namibia’s economic growth.
For the wider business community, the mine’s progress highlights the opportunities that arise when investment is paired with a commitment to sustainability, collaboration and shared prosperity.
Contributed By New Horizon Copper
