The Okohongo copper–silver deposit, also known as the Taranis Project, sits in Namibia’s Kaoko Belt within Exclusive Prospecting Licence (EPL) 7071.
The deposit has travelled a long path from discovery to the cusp of development, with its ownership shifting across Canadian and Namibian companies before landing under the control of Iron Bull Mining’s local subsidiary, Himba Metals.
Okohongo was brought to light in the early 2010s by INV Metals Inc., a Canadian junior explorer that conducted systematic mapping, trenching, and drilling.
Their programmes confirmed sediment-hosted copper sulphides extending for several kilometres, with silver present as a valuable co-product.
INV Metals presented the project as part of its “Kaoko Copper–Silver Property,” and its work established Okohongo as a coherent deposit within Namibia’s broader copper narrative.
As copper markets softened, INV Metals scaled back its Namibian portfolio.
In 2017–2018, the project was acquired by White Metal Resources Corp., which later rebranded as Thunder Gold Corp.
White Metal advanced the project through surface sampling, geophysics, and shallow drilling, confirming the continuity of copper and silver mineralisation along strike.
The company held a 95 per cent interest, with a 5 per cent interest retained by a Namibian partner to meet local equity requirements.
By 2023–2024, Thunder Gold optioned its 95 per cent stake in Okohongo to Himba Metals (Namibia) (Pty) Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Iron Bull Mining Inc.
This transaction placed operational control firmly in Namibian hands under Iron Bull’s vehicle. The handover marked a strategic turning point, moving Okohongo from a long-standing exploration project toward tangible development planning.
At Okohongo, the licence is held through Aloe 238 (Aloe Investments Two Hundred and Thirty-Eight (Pty) Ltd), which is referred to throughout the project documentation as the formal proponent of EPL 7071. When Thunder Gold (formerly White Metal) entered into its option agreement with Himba Metals, it did so via Aloe 238, the Namibian-registered company controlling the licence.
In the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) scoping report lodged in April 2025, Aloe 238 is identified as the entity responsible for advancing the mine development, with figures and site plans credited to “Aloe 238, 2025.”
In effect, Aloe serves as the corporate vehicle through which ownership and regulatory obligations for the Okohongo copper–silver project are exercised, linking Iron Bull Mining’s Namibian subsidiary, Himba Metals, to the local licensing framework.
In April 2025, Iron Bull submitted its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) scoping report for mine development on EPL 7071.
The filing represented the first formal regulatory step toward building a mine.
Okohongo’s near-surface, sediment-hosted mineralisation lends itself to open-pit extraction, making a small-scale starter operation a viable path.
This phased approach would allow Iron Bull to generate early production while advancing detailed feasibility work and community engagement.
Okohongo’s geology is anchored in Damara-age sediments that host copper sulphides such as chalcocite and bornite.
The mineralisation follows predictable stratigraphy, enabling selective mining and effective grade control. Silver occurs as a byproduct of copper mining, which supports the economic viability of the development.
The deposit’s surface expression and geometry provide an advantage for open-pit design with reduced pre-stripping requirements.
The project lies within reach of Opuwo, the regional capital of Kunene, which provides logistical support, services and a growing industrial base.
Existing sealed roads link Opuwo south and east, while gravel routes offer connections across the Kaoko.
For early operations, this infrastructure is adequate, though expansion will require careful planning for power and water supply.
Recycling and hybrid energy solutions are expected to be integrated into the mine’s design.
From discovery by INV Metals through development by White Metal/Thunder Gold to Iron Bull’s consolidation under Himba Metals, Okohongo has steadily advanced toward production.
The April 2025 EIA filing marks the commencement of the regulatory and community processes required to bring a copper–silver mine into operation. The proposed mineral license area of EPL 7071 is located on state land (communal area) and covers a total area of 14 km² (1,400 hectares).
The mining operation will involve two mineral commodity groups: (i) Base metals and (ii) precious metals.
The base metal (i.e. copper) and precious metal (silver) are the primary commodities of interest.
The project life of mine (LOM) schedule is anticipated to be a 20-year open-pit operation with an initial annual processing rate of 40,000 tonnes per month during the development period, which is expected to increase to 60,000 tonnes per month, depending on the availability of power and water, to support operational expansion.
The mine will operate on a seven-day work week with a 24-hour production shift per day.
