Central Operations
Combined Copper Mines in Central Namibia
Central Operations: Otjihase & Matchless
Central Operations is the collective name for Consolidated Copper Corp’s twin underground copper mines, Otjihase and Matchless, strategically located just 31 km northeast of Windhoek, Namibia’s capital.
Consolidated Copper Corp plans to leverage this potential by pursuing concurrent operations at both Tschudi and Central Operations.
Overview
CCC is undertaking feasibility studies into the restart of the Otjihase and Matchless underground mines forming Central Operations. Together they share an 800ktpa concentrator which CCC has confirmed to be in excellent condition.
All of the mining and processing infrastructure is currently subject to care and maintenance. Otjihase and the processing plant were last operational in 2015 whilst Matchless was last mined during the 1980’s.
Location
The Central Operations mine sites are located 18km northeast and 30km southwest of Namibian capital, Windhoek. Being in close proximity to the country’s capital city means that these mines have access to secure grid power and water supplies, road and/or rail transport to port and excellent local infrastructure and services.
Timeline
1885 – 2006: Site History
Origins of Matchless and Otjihase
Old Matchless mine was opened in 1855 by Walwich Bay Mining Company but suspended operations in 1860. It was redeveloped in 1967 and in 1970 production commenced. A circuit of copper smelter commenced smelting concentrates from Otjihase Mine in the 1970s. In the 1980s, Matchless was closed and allowed to flood.
2006 – 2018: Weatherly Era
Weatherly Supports OMPL Then CCC Steps In
Weatherly took over Ongopolo Mining and Processing Ltd and put Matchless and Otjihase on care and maintenance. In 2011, they reopened the mines and copper production restarted, but in 2015 they were again put into Care and Maintenance. In 2018, a highly regarded advisor in African mining matters, John Sisay, was appointed by Weatherly administrators to review the assets. In 2022, Consolidated Copper Corp was formed with John Sisay as CEO, and CCC then acquired Matchless and Otjihase into their asset portfolio for future production.
2018 – 2023: A Time Of Transition
CCC Maintains Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Central Operations mine sites remain in care and maintenance during this time. CCC is investigating the potential to restart Central Operations and is currently developing a ten year mine plan as part of its feasibility studies.
2023 - Present: A New Era
Ensuring Readiness For A Restart
Consolidated Copper’s chief operating officer, former Glencore underground mining specialist Danny Callow, leads the development of the 10-year mine plan for Central Operations. This comprehensive plan encompasses a thorough review of existing underground operations and mining methods, including the potential for electrification. Initial drilling efforts are beginning at the western margin of the Tigerschulcht orebody, followed by further exploration across both mines. Additionally, the company has identified potential for significant resource expansion and is exploring the possibility of utilising its concentrator capacity for toll treatment of external ores.
Project Gallery
Next Steps at Central Operations
- Analysing the potential of an early restart programme to target approximately 1 million tonnes of accessible ore and restart the concentrator whilst a detailed study is carried out on accessing the Tigerschulcht orebody
- Review historical mining methods and establish new way forward
- Explore sustainability initiatives for mine operation
- Drilling to start on western margin of orebody at Tigerschulcht
The Central Operations mine, with a leadership team passionate about sustainably operating the mines in Namibia, is exploring opportunities to harness the continual sunshine from Tschudi solar/battery power. They are also exploring the grid connection available with renewable purchasing options and opportunities identified to electrify mining via conveyors.
