Navachab Gold Mine Commits N$4 Billion to Exploration and Community Development

Navachab Gold Mine Commits N$4 Billion to Exploration and Community Development. Navachab Gold Mine in Karibib has announced a N$4 billion exploration drilling programme set to run over the next four years, a major investment aimed at securing the future of its operations.

Managing director George Botshiwe confirmed that the mine’s ore body is now too deep for open-pit mining, making exploration critical for sustaining production. Since its opening in 1989, Navachab has expanded beyond its original nine-year lifespan, producing both gold and silver, though facing challenges such as limited water, power, and funding.

Now owned by QKR NMH after its acquisition from AngloGold Ashanti in 2014, the mine currently operates 78 pieces of equipment and has reserves estimated at 2.43 million ounces of gold. It employs 889 permanent staff alongside 598 contractors. In 2024, Navachab recorded its highest gold production to date at 125,449 ounces, an 18% increase from the previous year, despite a 7% decline in total material mined due to equipment availability issues.

As part of its social responsibility efforts, Navachab is set to begin construction of the Karibib Medical Centre later this year. The N$80 million project, supported by the Karibib Town Council through a land donation, aims to serve the town and surrounding communities. N$20 million has been allocated for the 2025/26 financial year.

The mine is also investing in local economic development through a new SME park with 10 units for small businesses, built on land donated by TransNamib. Other recent projects include a N$4 million mortuary at Otjimbigwe and a N$2.9 million electrification project in Uis’ Usab informal settlement, designed to enhance safety and improve living conditions.