Our History
Kombat Mine’s historic copper, lead and silver operations are being revitalised by New Horizon Copper for responsible, modern production.
Kombat Mine is one of Namibia’s most historic base metal mining operations, with copper mineralisation first identified in the early 20th century and commercial mining commencing in the 1960s. Over several decades, Kombat produced copper alongside lead and silver from both open pit and underground operations, becoming an important contributor to Namibia’s mining sector and the local Otavi region. Following periods of care and maintenance, the mine is now being revitalised under New Horizon Copper, with a renewed focus on responsible production, operational modernisation, and supporting Namibia’s growing role in the global critical minerals supply chain.
Our Business
Resources & Infrastructure
New Horizon Copper is advancing the redevelopment of the historic Kombat Mine, a long-established copper mining operation with more than 45 years of historical production. The project hosts substantial high-grade underground and open pit copper resources, with lead and silver providing additional saleable by-products. Current defined resources include approximately 12.2Mt of underground mineral resources grading 2.23% copper, alongside 3.7Mt of open pit resources, supported by extensive installed infrastructure including shafts, a processing plant, tailings storage facilities and established logistics networks.
Phased Underground Restart and Expansion
Mining at Kombat is centred on a phased underground restart strategy focused initially on the Asis West underground mining areas before expanding into the larger Asis Far West resource. Ore will be extracted using existing underground shafts and hauled to the on-site processing plant, where upgrades and expansion works are planned to progressively increase throughput toward a steady-state processing capacity of 60,000 tonnes per month. A second expansion phase could ultimately increase throughput to between 90,000 and 120,000 tonnes per month through the development of the Asis Far West shaft and associated underground infrastructure.
Sustainable Mining & Processing
The mining approach has been designed around lessons learned from previous operations, with a strong focus on operational reliability, water management and staged expansion. Significant investment is planned into underground dewatering systems, modernised processing infrastructure, ore sorting technology and improved backup systems to support long-term sustainable production. The existing process plant will produce copper concentrate for export through the Port of Walvis Bay, while studies are also underway to re-establish lead concentrate production to improve overall project economics.
Exploration Upside
Beyond the currently defined resources, the project also benefits from substantial exploration upside across more than 35 kilometres of mineralised strike length, with several undeclared mineralised zones and historic discoveries offering potential for future resource growth and mine life extension.
Our People
The Heart of New Horizon Copper
The people of Kombat Mine and the surrounding communities are at the heart of New Horizon Copper. Built on generations of mining heritage, the Kombat community is defined by resilience, hard work and an enduring belief in the future of Namibia’s mining sector. Through periods of growth, uncertainty and transition, the people of Kombat have continued to demonstrate determination, adaptability and pride in their contribution to one of the country’s historic mining regions.
New Horizon Copper recognises that the strength of the operation lies not only beneath the ground, but within the skills, experience and character of its workforce and neighbouring communities. From underground miners and technical teams to local businesses, families and community partners, the people connected to Kombat Mine continue to play a vital role in rebuilding a sustainable operation that can create long-term opportunities for future generations.
Inspired by the resilience of the Namibian people and the rugged environment in which they live and work, New Horizon Copper is committed to building a future that empowers local communities, supports meaningful employment and contributes positively to regional development for years to come.
Our Contribution to Namibia
Adding Long-Term Value
The revival of Kombat Mine by New Horizon Copper represents more than the restart of a historic mining operation — it reflects renewed confidence in Namibia’s future as a globally important mining jurisdiction and critical minerals supplier. The redevelopment of Kombat Mine has the potential to create long-term employment, stimulate regional economic activity, support local businesses and strengthen Namibia’s contribution to the global energy transition through responsible copper production. By investing in modern mining practices, infrastructure and community development, New Horizon Copper aims to transform Kombat into a sustainable operation that delivers lasting value for workers, surrounding communities and the Namibian economy for generations to come.