Rosh Pinah mine
The Rosh Pinah mine is a mine near Rosh Pinah in the ǁKaras Region of southern Namibia. It is one of the largest and most important lead and zinc mines in Namibia. The mine is located in the extreme southwest, about 20 kilometres (12 mi) north of the Orange River and 50 kilometers east of the Atlantic.[1]
Aerial view of Rosh Pinah town and zinc mine | |
Location | |
---|---|
ǁKaras Region | |
Country | Namibia |
Production | |
Products | Lead, Zinc |
History
German-born Jew Mose Kohan discovered zinc in the nearby Hunz Mountains in 1963. He also coined the name "Rosh Pinah" which is a Hebrew term for "cornerstone".[2] The mine has been in continuous operation since 1969.[3]
Ownership
Glencore acquired 50.04% ownership of the mine in 2011 and increased its stake shortly thereafter to 80.08%. The remainder of the shares are owned by Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) actors PE Minerals, owned by Aaron Mushimba, Jaguar Investments Four, and a trust representing mine employees.[4] In 2017 Glencore sold its majority stake along with other zinc assets to Trevali Mining Corporation.[5]
Minerals
The mine has reserves amounting to 14 million tonnes of ore grading 2% lead and 8% zinc thus resulting 280,000 tonnes of lead and 1.12 million tonnes of zinc.[1] The mine also produces copper, silver and gold as byproducts.
References
- "Mining in Namibia" (PDF). gsn.gov.na. 2012. Retrieved 2013-06-25.
- Tonchi, Victor L., William A. Lindeke, and John J. Grotpeter, "Rosh Pinah Mine" Historical Dictionary of Namibia. 2nd edition. (2012) Toronto: The Scarecrow Press, Inc, p. 373.
- "Rosh Pinah mine". Trevali Mining Corporation. Retrieved 11 May 2019.
- "Glencore buys 80% of Rosh Pinah". The Namibian. Mining Weekly. 16 December 2011.
- Burger, Schalk (1 September 2017). "Glencore sells zinc mines to Trevali for $400m". Engineering News.