Namibia seeks to restart Skorpion Zinc mine and refinery

The Namibian government is collaborating with stakeholders and workers to restart the Skorpion Zinc mine and refinery operations near Rosh Pinah. Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse stated that closure is not an option, emphasizing the need to protect jobs and restore competitiveness.

The closure of the Skorpion Zinc facility has had significant regional impacts, including the loss of approximately 500 jobs. In the //Kharas region, unemployment remains at roughly 38%. The initiative to restart operations involves the Namibia Miners Investment Trust (Namit) and Nam-Mic Holdings.

Skorpion Zinc, owned by Vedanta Resources, was placed on care and maintenance following pit failures in 2020. The mine is known for producing high-grade zinc with low impurities. Despite current challenges, the government noted emerging opportunities in uranium, copper, gold, and critical minerals.