Koryx Copper has provided a significant development update on its flagship Haib Copper Project in southern Namibia, highlighting major progress in power infrastructure planning, renewable energy integration, and long-term water supply solutions. As one of the largest undeveloped copper projects in Africa, Haib continues to move forward through pre-feasibility studies while incorporating sustainable technologies designed to improve operational efficiency, reduce emissions, and support future expansion.
The latest project developments focus on two critical areas: securing reliable power for large-scale mining operations and establishing a sustainable bulk water supply capable of supporting the mine throughout its operational life.
Hybrid Energy System to Power One of Namibia’s Largest Copper Projects
Koryx Copper plans to supply the Haib Copper Project through a hybrid power solution that combines electricity from Namibia’s national grid with renewable energy generated by a large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) facility.
The proposed energy system is designed to satisfy the project’s substantial power requirements while reducing operating costs and improving energy efficiency. The company is also evaluating the future integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), which could help lower electricity costs further while minimizing exposure to expensive peak-demand tariffs during early morning and late afternoon periods.
Current estimates indicate that the project will require peak power demand of approximately 152 MVA and annual electricity consumption of around 1,131 GWh. These figures are currently being refined as engineering work advances through the ongoing pre-feasibility study. The combination of grid power and renewable energy reflects a growing trend within the global mining industry, where operators are increasingly seeking to reduce carbon emissions while enhancing energy security and lowering operational expenses.
Major Grid Infrastructure Upgrades Planned
To support the mine’s electricity requirements, Koryx Copper intends to construct a new double-circuit 220kV overhead transmission line connecting the Haib site to NamPower’s Harib Substation, located approximately 68 kilometers away.
The transmission infrastructure will link to a newly constructed switching station that will distribute power to various substations across the mining operation and supporting facilities. Importantly, the design incorporates future scalability. The system will be capable of supporting up to 200 MVA, creating sufficient capacity for future technological upgrades, including the potential deployment of electric haul trucks equipped with trolley-assist systems.
The adoption of electric mining fleets could significantly reduce diesel consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve overall mine productivity, aligning with broader industry efforts to decarbonize mining operations.
Beyond supporting the Haib Project itself, the infrastructure investment will strengthen Namibia’s regional electricity network. Upon completion, the upgraded transmission assets and associated infrastructure are expected to be transferred to NamPower, providing long-term benefits to the national grid and surrounding communities.
Partnership with NamPower Moves Forward
Koryx Copper has been actively engaging with NamPower regarding the project’s future connection to the national electricity network.
Discussions have focused on assessing available grid capacity in southern Namibia, identifying suitable connection points, and evaluating the project’s long-term electricity requirements.
The company has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NamPower, establishing a framework for cooperation as the project advances. Both parties are expected to begin detailed design work on the transmission infrastructure in the near future. Current negotiations are focused on finalizing a grid power supply offer that will serve as the foundation for a formal Power Supply Agreement, an important milestone in the project’s development timeline.
Securing Long-Term Water Supply for Mining Operations
Alongside energy planning, Koryx Copper is undertaking detailed studies to secure a reliable bulk water source for the Haib Copper Project. The proposed operation is expected to require approximately 20 million cubic meters of raw water annually, making water security a key component of project development.
Engineers and hydrology specialists are currently evaluating two primary supply options:
- The Orange River, located approximately 20 kilometers south of the project site.
- The Neckartal Dam, situated roughly 260 kilometers north of the proposed mining operation.
Following preliminary technical and economic assessments, the Orange River has emerged as the preferred option due to its proximity and lower infrastructure requirements.
Orange River Identified as Preferred Water Source
The proposed water supply scheme would involve a single extraction point on the Orange River combined with off-channel water storage infrastructure designed to ensure year-round reliability. Hydrological studies conducted as part of the project have evaluated water availability under a range of scenarios, including seasonal fluctuations, drought conditions, and long-term climate variability.
The findings indicate that a high level of supply security can be achieved through the construction of an on-site storage reservoir capable of holding water collected during periods of surplus river flow. This approach would allow water to be stored when river conditions are favorable and utilized during periods when direct abstraction may be restricted due to low water levels, droughts, or environmental constraints.
The storage system is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring uninterrupted operations while supporting responsible water management practices in an arid region where water resources must be carefully managed.
Sustainability at the Core of Project Development
The Haib Copper Project is increasingly being designed around modern mining principles that prioritize sustainability, operational efficiency, and infrastructure resilience.
The planned integration of solar energy, potential battery storage systems, future-ready electric mining equipment, and carefully managed water resources demonstrates the project’s commitment to reducing environmental impacts while maintaining economic viability.
As global demand for copper continues to rise due to electrification, renewable energy deployment, electric vehicles, and advanced technologies, projects capable of delivering large-scale production with lower environmental footprints are attracting growing attention from investors and governments alike.
Haib Positioned to Benefit from Global Copper Demand Growth
Copper remains one of the most important metals for the global energy transition, serving as a critical component in electric vehicles, power transmission networks, renewable energy systems, and emerging technologies. With demand forecasts pointing to significant future supply deficits, large-scale projects such as Haib are becoming increasingly important to the global mining industry.
Koryx Copper’s continued progress on infrastructure planning, renewable energy integration, and sustainable water supply solutions positions the Haib Copper Project as a potentially significant future contributor to global copper production while supporting Namibia’s mining sector and broader economic development goals.
