Namibia’s Tschudi Copper Plant Resumes Operations After Four-Year Break
Namibia's Consolidated Copper Corp. (CCC) has successfully restarted operations at the Tschudi copper plant, following a four-year shutdown. The company announced the restart, highlighting the creation of over 60 new jobs for Namibians and the involvement of local suppliers, who secured 75 percent of the refurbishment capital.
The plant's restart was made possible by a $20 million funding package, provided through a secured debt facility from Triangle Resource Partners (TRP), a syndicate composed of some of CCC's founding shareholders.
Originally constructed in 2015, the Tschudi plant is Namibia's only facility capable of producing LME-grade refined copper. Before its closure in 2020, the plant had an annual output of more than 80,000 tonnes of LME Grade A copper cathode.
The reopening of the Tschudi plant is part of a broader initiative in Namibia to recommission three brownfield copper mines, with a focus on sustainable practices. The Namibian government is keen on increasing domestic beneficiation of locally produced minerals, aligning with its policy of prohibiting the export of unprocessed ores, which was implemented last year.
CCC has emphasized its commitment to responsible metal and mineral production, aiming to minimize environmental impacts while ensuring the inclusion of local communities in the economic benefits.
"Tschudi has the potential to rival the great copper mines of the Central African Copper Belt," stated CCC Chief Executive Officer John Sisay. "The true measure of our success will lie in the benefits experienced by the local community and our contribution to the clean energy value chain."
The restart of the Tschudi plant marks a significant step in Namibia's efforts to capitalize on its mineral resources and enhance its role in the global clean energy market.
