Koryx maps Haib power, water needs

Koryx Copper has outlined its preferred power and water solutions for the proposed Haib copper mine in southern Namibia, as the project moves towards its pre-feasibility study.

The company 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).

Power would be supplied through a proposed 68km, 220kV transmission line from the Harib substation, supplemented by solar generation and battery storage.

Koryx said it 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.

Water supply

Water is also a key requirement, with the Orange River identified as the preferred source.

Koryx said 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.

The water plans come as Namibia faces the challenge of balancing industrial development with water security in one of the world's driest countries.

Environmental approvals

Koryx has submitted environmental clearance applications 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.

The studies include assessments of water resources, biodiversity, hydrogeology, geochemistry, air quality, noise, traffic, archaeology and heritage, as well as social and community health.

The environmental clearance is required for the project to proceed and is one of the conditions for the granting of the mining licence.

What's next

Koryx said its pre-feasibility study remains on schedule for publication before the end of November.

The study is expected to provide greater clarity on the project's capital requirements and economic potential.

For now, 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.