(3 Minutes Read)
Navachab Gold Mine, situated near Karibib, plans to invest N$4 billion over the next four years in an exploration drilling initiative due to the ore body becoming too deep for traditional open-pit mining. The mine, which also produces silver as a by-product, has been operating since 1989—despite an originally intended lifespan of only nine years.
Managing Director George Botshiwe highlighted ongoing challenges including water and power limitations, as well as funding constraints. Now owned by QKR NMH since 2014, the mine operates 78 pieces of equipment, holds gold reserves of about 2.43 million ounces, and employs 889 direct staff along with 598 contractors.
In 2024, Navachab achieved a record gold output of 125,449 ounces—an 18% increase from the previous year—even though total material mined dropped by 7% due to equipment issues earlier in the year.
On the social development front, Navachab will begin construction of the N$80 million Karibib Medical Centre later this year, with N$20 million budgeted for the 2025/26 financial year. The land has been donated by the Karibib Town Council, and preliminary planning is complete.
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Additional community projects include a new SME park with 10 business units on land donated by TransNamib, a N$4 million mortuary built in Otjimbigwe, and a N$2.9 million electrification project in the Usab informal settlement in Uis to enhance safety and reduce crime.
