Trigon Metals, a Canadian mining company, has revitalized copper production at Namibia’s Kombat Mine, showing promise for increased profitability. Since resuming operations on October 10 last year, the company has made significant strides in the mine’s output, suggesting a positive outlook for future profitability.
Jed Richardson, President and CEO of Trigon Metals, highlighted the potential for increased production to drive down costs. The Kombat Mine, operational since the late 1960s, still contains substantial reserves, with approximately 12 million tonnes of ore at an average of 2% copper. This reserve indicates the mine’s continued potential for copper production.
Trigon has benefited from an existing infrastructure at the mine, valued at US$150 million. This includes a mill with a daily capacity of 1,000 tonnes. The company plans to expand this capacity and initiate underground operations, which could double the ore output to 2,000 tonnes per day. This expansion is expected to significantly increase annual copper production, potentially reaching up to 30 million pounds.
Future Growth and Cost Implications
The transition to underground mining is anticipated to have a considerable impact on production levels and cost efficiency. Richardson stated that the company’s projected operating costs are around US$2.95 per pound of copper, encompassing all aspects of mining and processing.
Trigon’s focus extends beyond immediate production increases. The company is actively engaged in exploration activities, with plans to further explore the far west shaft of the mine, promising higher grade material and further production increases. 
