Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Business Hub
NAMIB Minerals is targeting its first gold production at Redwing Mine this month, with initial output expected to reach 338 ounces per month before increasing to 835 ounces monthly by the second quarter of 2027.
The planned restart marks fresh momentum in efforts to revive the historic mine, which produced approximately 650 000 ounces of gold between 1981 and 2023.
The Nasdaq-listed company said the accelerated restart follows the completion of dewatering, refurbishment of critical mine infrastructure and the resumption of crushing activities.
Namib had initially planned to defer production until the completion of a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) aimed at redesigning the mine and increasing its production capacity.
However, it has adopted a parallel development programme to recommission existing underground workings and processing facilities.
The move comes partly in response to the Government’s new policy reserving the small-scale and medium-scale gold mining sector for Zimbabwean citizens. The policy requires foreign-owned operators to meet prescribed production thresholds by January 1, 2027.
Namib chairman and chief executive officer Mr Tulani Sikwila said the accelerated restart represented an important milestone in the company’s growth strategy.
“Restarting Redwing ahead of schedule is a defining milestone for Namib. We believe the planned restart represents an important step in our transition from a single-asset gold producer to a multi-asset gold production platform, with How Mine as our producing foundation and Redwing representing the next phase of our growth.
“I am immensely proud of what our team has delivered, and everyone at Namib is thrilled by what lies ahead as we seek to build a larger, more resilient business and create lasting value for our shareholders,” he said.
Grid electricity was restored in June, while dewatering was completed in September, allowing access to underground workings.
The South Shaft winder was also refurbished and recommissioned, while refurbishment of the crushing plant was completed in October, paving the way for crushing activities to resume.
The company is targeting completion of the commissioning of its milling, elution and carbon-in-pulp facilities in the first half of November.
Namib plans to increase monthly ore processing from 3 600 tonnes to about 10 000 tonnes by the second quarter of 2027, supported by a higher-capacity winder expected by the end of the first quarter.
The company said the accelerated restart would proceed alongside its feasibility study and resource definition programme.
