Horizon triggers kombat restart
Construction has officially begun at the Kombat Mine, marking the revival of one of Namibia’s long-standing copper assets after years of operational interruptions. The restart follows a N$390 million equity investment by UK-based Horizon Corporation, now the majority shareholder in New Horizon Copper (NHC), signalling renewed confidence in the Otjozondjupa Region’s mining prospects and Namibia’s broader investment climate.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on 6 February 2026 at the mine site, was attended by senior NHC and Horizon executives, Namibian Government representatives and community stakeholders. The event formally ushered in a phased redevelopment programme that will see operations resume in the fourth quarter of 2026, with throughput ultimately doubling to 60 000 tonnes of ore per month.
The restart strategy includes the targeted development of areas around Kombat’s Asis West Shaft, the installation of sensor-based ore sorting technology, and the continuation of a robust dewatering programme aimed at ensuring long-term operational stability. To date, the project has recorded more than 31 000 lost-time-injury-free shifts, underscoring a strong safety performance as construction activities gain momentum.
“As a proud shareholder and director of the Kombat Mine, I am deeply honoured to mark this historic milestone — the official start of construction after a long, challenging journey of perseverance and revival,” founding shareholder Knowledge Katti said, adding that the project is expected to deliver skilled employment opportunities and renewed economic activity for Kombat and the wider Otjozondjupa Region.
Katti’s Havana Investments and state-owned Epangelo Mining each retain a 10% shareholding.
