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Trigon Metals Inc. has encountered a significant operational challenge at its Kombat Mine in Namibia. Early on January 16, 2025, both of the mine’s primary dewatering pumps suffered critical failures, forcing the company to suspend underground mining operations. The company anticipates that this double pump failure will likely lead to flooding in the underground mine in the coming days.
Trigon has emphasized that the safety of its personnel is paramount. All workers have been safely evacuated from the affected underground areas, and efforts are underway to retrieve any remaining underground equipment. The company is taking all necessary precautions to ensure the continued safety and well-being of its workforce at the Kombat site.
Despite this operational setback, Trigon remains committed to its previously announced transaction with Horizon Corporation Ltd. Horizon has been informed of the situation and has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the purchase of Trigon’s interest in the Kombat mine. Both parties are actively engaged in discussions to navigate the current situation and finalize the transaction, working closely with Trigon’s other partners and stakeholders.
Jed Richardson, CEO and Executive Chairman of Trigon Metals, acknowledged the gravity of the situation. “Today’s pump failure presents an untimely challenge, but we are actively working to overcome it,” he stated. “We commend the team on site for their swift action in prioritizing the safety of all mine workers. Initial discussions with Horizon indicate that the transaction will proceed, with the shared goal of restoring operations and resuming business promptly.”
The pump failure and subsequent flooding pose a significant operational hurdle for the Kombat Mine. The extent of the damage and the timeline for restoring operations will depend on the severity of the flooding and the time required to repair or replace the pumping system. Trigon will need to conduct a thorough assessment of the situation once the flooding subsides to determine the full impact on the mine’s infrastructure and resources.
The successful completion of the sale to Horizon is crucial for Trigon’s future. The company’s ability to finalize the transaction will provide much-needed capital and allow for the necessary investments to restore the mine to full operational capacity. The ongoing collaboration between Trigon and Horizon, despite this unforeseen challenge, signals a strong commitment from both parties to see the transaction through.
The Kombat Mine is a key asset for Trigon Metals, and its temporary closure will undoubtedly have financial implications for the company. Trigon will need to carefully manage its resources and explore all available options to mitigate the impact of the operational disruption. The company’s ability to navigate this challenging period will be closely watched by investors and stakeholders.
Trigon Metals is a Canadian exploration and development company focused on copper and silver holdings in Africa. In Namibia, the company holds a 100% interest in the Kalahari Copperbelt Project and an 80% interest in five mining licenses in the Otavi Mountainlands, which include the Kombat Mine. Trigon also has projects in Morocco, including the Silver Hill and Addana projects, which are prospective copper and silver exploration targets.
This incident at the Kombat Mine highlights the inherent risks and challenges associated with mining operations. Unforeseen events, such as equipment failures and natural disasters, can significantly impact production and profitability. Mining companies must be prepared to manage such challenges effectively and have contingency plans in place to minimize disruptions.
The coming days and weeks will be critical for Trigon Metals as it assesses the damage at the Kombat Mine and works towards restoring operations. The company’s ability to effectively manage this situation and complete the sale to Horizon will be key to its long-term future. The mining industry will be watching closely as Trigon navigates this challenging period.
