Trigon Metals: Unearthing the Potential of Kombat Mine Amid Rising Demand for Copper and Silver

As the world stands on the precipice of a green revolution, the demand for metals like copper and silver is projected to skyrocket. The anticipated surge in electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies could lead to supply constraints for these critical commodities. In 2021, the silver market experienced a deficit of 253 million ounces, and although this is expected to decline, the projected deficit for this year is still a significant 119 million ounces. Similarly, the copper market has been in a deficit since 2019 due to disruptions in production and a rapid recovery in consumption, particularly in China.

In this context, existing mines like Kombat hold immense potential. With proven reserves and established infrastructure, they are uniquely positioned to ramp up production and meet this growing demand. The Kombat Mine is one of the most significant copper mines in Namibia. Mining operations originally commenced in 1962, producing until 2008, and with total output reaching 12.46 million tonnes of ore grading 2.6 percent copper on average.

Under Trigon’s ownership, planned production started from the open pit in 2023. Underground mining will commence in 2024, when higher-grade underground ore begins to be recovered and as planned upgrades to crushing and milling are incorporated.

The mine’s production plan includes a processing plant with a capacity of 30 ktpm, which is expected to increase to 60 ktpm and then 95 ktpm in the subsequent phases of underground mining. The average copper grade is expected to increase from 1.2% in the open pit phase to 2.6% and then 3.0% in the underground phases.The copper in the concentrate is expected to be 22% in the open pit phase and 28.5% in the underground phases.

The mine has over USD $150 million worth of usable infrastructure in place. That includes a 1,100 tonne/day mill, an 800m shaft with two other vertical shafts, extensive underground workings, tailings facility, ramp systems, mine buildings and concentrator. Its close proximity to the port of Walvis Bay and to one of only five commercial-grade smelters in Africa is an additional benefit to the project.

The recent drilling campaign at the Kombat Mine, particularly in the East 400 area and the Kavango North Pit, has yielded promising results. The East 400 area, located 250m east of the Kombat Pit, returned some of the highest copper and silver grades reported this year. Notably, drill hole E400INF013 intersected 9m at 7.89% copper and 23.80g/t silver from 30m.

At the Kavango North Pit, where mining is currently active, the drilling results displayed a strong correlation to the resource model, supporting the targeted head grade of 1.2% copper and exhibiting higher silver grades in excess of the resource average 6.2 g/t. Drill hole KVNINF014 intersected 5m at 2.78% copper and 36.99 g/t silver from 35m.

Jed Richardson, Trigon’s President and CEO, commented on the recent developments, stating, “Drilling is now focused on East 400 and East 600, completing resource confirmation and definition. One of the three drill rigs active at Kombat will be moved to Gross Otavi on the western limb of the Copper King Extension later this month.”

“Our mining ramp-up continues at Kombat. We have already moved 210,000 tonnes of ore and waste this month, exceeding the 124,000 tonnes moved in May, and our June target of 180,000 tonnes. At full production, monthly mined ore and waste will average 240,000 tonnes per month and our team has already shown this is a target they will be able to meet and exceed in the coming months.”

The company’s strategic focus on the Kombat Mine in Namibia, coupled with the promising results from recent drilling campaigns, underscores its readiness to meet the growing global demand for copper and silver. The mine’s production ramp-up continues to exceed targets. As Trigon Metals continues to unearth the potential of the Kombat Mine, the future indeed looks bright for this dynamic player in the global mining industry.