Staff Writer
Rosh Pinah Zinc has commissioned a new water treatment plant as part of its RP2.0 expansion project, reducing the mine’s reliance on freshwater from the Orange River.
The new facility was announced by parent company Appian Capital Advisory.
The company said the plant will treat and recycle industrial process water used at the mine, helping reduce pressure on regional water resources in southern Namibia.
The commissioning marks another milestone in the RP2.0 expansion project, which is now more than 90% complete and remains on track for completion by late 2026.
According to the company, the closed-loop water system will improve efficiency by recycling process water at large scale while reducing environmental impact.
The water treatment plant forms part of several infrastructure upgrades under the RP2.0 project, which is expected to increase production of zinc, lead and silver concentrates once completed.
The development follows the recent commissioning of Namibia’s first paste backfill plant at the mine.
Ignacio Bustamante said the project reflects the company’s focus on responsible mining and environmental management.
“Commissioning the water treatment plant is an important step in delivering on our environmental commitments as we scale the operation under RP2.0,” Bustamante said.
“Responsible water management is critical to both our operations and ESG standards.”
Rosh Pinah Zinc has operated as an underground mine since 1969. Appian Capital Advisory acquired the operation in 2023 before launching the RP2.0 expansion programme.
The project includes new processing facilities, a paste-fill plant, a water treatment plant and a dedicated portal and decline to access deeper mineral deposits.
Once completed, the project will increase mill throughput from 700 000 tonnes to 1.3 million tonnes of ore per year.
Average annual zinc equivalent production is expected to increase to 170 million pounds.
