International law firms are increasingly positioning themselves at the centre of Namibia’s growing mining and critical minerals sector, with Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer advising on the acquisition of a 95% stake in the Omitiomire copper project near Windhoek, Appian Capital Advisory’s second mining investment in Namibia.
The global law firm acted for Appian in the transaction, which was completed on 13 May 2026 and involved the acquisition of Craton Mining and Exploration Proprietary Limited.
Appian already has exposure to Namibia through its interest in the Rosh Pinah zinc mine, where its investment platform has been linked to the expansion of one of the country’s key base metals operations.
The acquisition of Omitiomire further expands Appian’s footprint in Namibia at a time when international investors are increasingly targeting copper and critical minerals assets linked to electrification and the global energy transition.
The Omitiomire copper project, located near Windhoek in central Namibia, is regarded as one of the country’s notable undeveloped copper assets. Previous project studies outlined a mineral resource containing copper mineralisation hosted within sedimentary rock formations, with historical development work identifying open-pit mining potential.
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, headquartered in London and New York following the 2025 merger between Herbert Smith Freehills and Kramer Levin, said its Paris office led all transactional aspects of the acquisition.
The firm handled the drafting and negotiation of the sale and purchase agreement and advised on matters linked to signing, completion and warranty and indemnity insurance.
The Paris-based transaction team was led by partner Rebecca Major and supported by Annabelle Woerth, Ayah Al-Sharari and Amélie Dugast.
The law firm said the deal involved multiple strategic and cross-border considerations that required coordination among legal advisers, tax specialists, and other stakeholders involved in the transaction.
African law firm Bowmans acted as local counsel in Namibia, while PwC advised Appian on tax structuring matters.
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer said the acquisition forms part of Appian’s strategy to strengthen its portfolio of strategic mining assets amid growing demand for copper and other minerals required for electrical infrastructure, renewable energy systems and low-carbon technologies.
