Kombat Mine Flooding Puts Jobs at Risk. The Kombat Mine in Namibia has been forced to halt underground mining operations following severe flooding caused by a failure in its primary dewatering pumps. The incident has raised concerns among workers about potential retrenchments as the company assesses the impact on operations.
Trigon Metals Inc., the company managing the mine, announced on January 16, 2025, that mechanical failures had led to the mine’s underground sections being inundated with water. As a result, all underground workers were evacuated, and efforts were made to salvage essential equipment before further damage could occur.
Workers have since voiced concerns on social media, stating that the flooding is extensive and that job losses could follow if operations do not resume soon. Some employees have reported uncertainty about their future at the mine, as past flooding incidents have led to layoffs.
Trigon Metals has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and stated that their priority is to resolve the flooding issue while ensuring the safety of their workforce. However, the company has not yet provided a clear timeline for when operations might resume or addressed whether job cuts are imminent.
The Kombat Mine has a history of flooding, with major incidents recorded in 1925, 1988, and 2008. In previous cases, prolonged shutdowns resulted in significant financial and operational setbacks, sometimes leading to workforce reductions.
For now, efforts are focused on restoring the mine’s dewatering system to resume underground activities. Industry analysts are watching closely, as the mine’s future will likely impact the local economy and the livelihoods of many workers in the region.