Green Mineral Profile

Namibia

Overview

Overview

Namibia has known deposits of lithium, graphite, tantalum, and rare earths minerals, as well as cobalt which was recently discovered in the Kunene Region of Namibia. Many of these projects are in varying stages of development, from early exploration to pre-feasibility and feasibility stages.

Overview

Key green minerals

  • Namibia has known deposits of lithium, graphite, tantalum, and rare earths minerals, as well as cobalt which was recently discovered in the Kunene Region of Namibia.
  • Many of these projects are in varying stages of development, from early exploration to pre-feasibility and feasibility stages.
  • Lepidico is currently updating the resource estimates of the old Rubicon and Helikon lithium mines, while Namibia Critical Minerals is pursuing the Lofdal Heavy Rare Earths project.  
Pattern

Major mining
projects

Lofdal Project in Namibia is a significant deposit of the heavy rare earth metals dysprosium and terbium. The project is being developed by a joint venture of Namibia Critical Metals and Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC). Production at Lofdal may begin in 2026. It is expected to produce 2,000 tons total rare earth oxide (TREO) per year on an average including 117 tons of dysprosium and 17.5 tons terbium.

Okorusu Complex, located in the Otjozondjupa Region (northeast Namibia), containing monazite and xenotime, promises to yield the rare earth metals yttrium, cerium, and lanthanum.

The Karabib Lithium Project, estimated to produce 773,000 tons over 14 years, will transport lithium concentrate to a chemical plant in the United Arab Emirates with a production capacity of 56,700 tons per year.

Processing capacity

Processing capacity

Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb produces blister copper at the Tsumeb smelter, from imported copper concentrates. Namibia also produces LME grade copper cathode from Weatherly Namibia’s Tschudi copper mine.

In July 2024, it was reported that Chinese mining company Xinfeng Investment (Pty) Limited has completed construction of a lithium processing plant in Namibia.

Lepidico, an Australian-based company, is currently developing the Karibib Lithium Project. This initiative includes two open-pit mines located at Rubicon and Helikon 1, supplying ore to a processing facility for lithium concentrate production. Subsequently, the concentrate will be transported to a chemical conversion plant situated in Kezad Industrial Park in Abu Dhabi.

In November 2023, it was reported that UK-listed Andrada Mining had produced its first lithium concentrate from its pilot plant, which was commissioned at its Uis lithium project in Namibia. Andrada expects that the monthly production could reach up to 250t.

In July 2024, it was reported that Chinese mining company Xinfeng Investment (Pty) Limited has completed construction of a lithium processing plant in Namibia.

Processing capacity

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