Mineral exploration prospects ‘glittering’

DESPITE dramatic worldwide budget cuts in mineral exploration, Namibia has been able to attract reasonable levels of exploration spending by the private sector.

This was said by Mines and Energy Deputy Minister Henock ya Kasita in the National Council . He said gold exploration in the Grootfontein, Kombat, Otavi and Otjiwarongo areas had reached an advanced stage.”We are likely to see a second open-cast gold mine in Namibia within a year or two,” said Ya Kasita.In addition, a feasibility study at the Langer Heinrich uranium deposit in the Erongo Region was at an advanced stage, while copper and gold exploration in the Otavi and Outjo districts was progressing well and the results were encouraging.”The sinking of the new exploration shaft at Asis Far West near the Kombat copper and lead mine is officially to be handed over before the end of August 2005,” Ya Kasita said.The two projects, he said, would increase production of copper blister, silver and gold.Although no viable deposits have been discovered yet, exploration in Kavango and the Tsumkwe area is continuing.”There are indications of diamondiferous kimberlite pipes in the areas,” he said.He said gold exploration in the Grootfontein, Kombat, Otavi and Otjiwarongo areas had reached an advanced stage.”We are likely to see a second open-cast gold mine in Namibia within a year or two,” said Ya Kasita.In addition, a feasibility study at the Langer Heinrich uranium deposit in the Erongo Region was at an advanced stage, while copper and gold exploration in the Otavi and Outjo districts was progressing well and the results were encouraging.”The sinking of the new exploration shaft at Asis Far West near the Kombat copper and lead mine is officially to be handed over before the end of August 2005,” Ya Kasita said.The two projects, he said, would increase production of copper blister, silver and gold.Although no viable deposits have been discovered yet, exploration in Kavango and the Tsumkwe area is continuing.”There are indications of diamondiferous kimberlite pipes in the areas,” he said.