Berg Aukas is one of the mines the Consolidated Copper Corp. is targeting for a restart after Tschudi.
The zinc-lead-vanadium mine near Grootfontein, a town in northeastern Namibia, has significant infrastructure, including a 700-metre shaft and underground development for a rapid, cost-effective mine reopening.
Berg Aukas has the potential for a 10+ year life of mine.
Consolidated Copper says it has identified significant resource potential, and the first phase of the restart is underway.
An updated 2018 prefeasibility study identified a variety of minerals below the surface.
The project hosts a historical resource estimate (JORC 2004) of 1.26 Mt grading 15.47% zinc and 3.84% lead.
A definitive feasibility study will identify optimum mine life and treatment options through a metallurgical testwork programme.
Consolidated Copper Corp., which has been managing the Berg Aukas Mine since mid-2022, is investing in extensive pre-feasibility research to determine the most suitable and value-adding course of action for future restart activities.
The company says a simple DMS process can be used in the initial stages of the restart programme to retreat known feed.
Consolidated Copper is reviewing marketing and exploration opportunities while seeking a processing solution for the underground mine.
Additionally, Consolidated Copper is exploring the capacity for another concentrator to treat other ores.
Consolidated Copper has recruited former Glencore underground mining specialist Danny Callow as the chief operating officer to assist with the underground mines portfolio.
Discovered in 1913, Berg Aukas operated on and off from 1920.
It was only between 1958 and 1978 that Berg Aukuas enjoyed some significance, with a reported 2.3 Mt of material at 15% zinc, 3.9% lead, and 0.85 vanadium oxide.
During that time, the mine milled 1.5 MT of ore at 21.5% zinc, 5.5% lead, and 1.23% vanadium oxide.
However, Berg Aukus shut down in 1978, and significant resources remain unexploited.
China Africa Resources took over Berg Aukus in 2014 and completed a prefeasibility study, but despite the available infrastructure, it never got to restart the mine.
Berg Aukas went back into care and maintenance.
Consolidated Copper Corp restarted the Tschudi copper plant in August 2024, creating more than 60 jobs, with 75% of refurbishment capital contracted to local Namibian suppliers.
