Koryx Copper has issued an update on its Haib Copper Project in southern Namibia, citing progress in power infrastructure planning, renewable energy integration and long-term water supply studies. The project is advancing through pre-feasibility work while incorporating technologies intended to improve operational efficiency and support future expansion. The company said the current development focus is split between securing electricity for large-scale mining operations and establishing a bulk water supply for the mine’s operating life.
Hybrid grid and solar power concept for Haib
Koryx Copper plans to supply Haib using a hybrid electricity arrangement combining power from Namibia’s national grid with electricity generated by a large-scale solar photovoltaic facility. The proposed system is intended to meet the project’s power requirements while improving energy efficiency and reducing operating costs. The company is also evaluating potential integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to lower electricity costs and reduce exposure to peak-demand tariffs during early morning and late afternoon periods.
Project estimates indicate peak power demand of approximately 152 MVA and annual electricity consumption of around 1,131 GWh. Koryx said these figures are being refined as engineering work continues within the ongoing pre-feasibility study. The company linked the approach to a broader mining trend aimed at improving energy security while reducing emissions and operational expenses.
Transmission line and switching station design details
To support the mine’s electricity needs, Koryx Copper intends to build a new double-circuit 220kV overhead transmission line between the Haib site and NamPower’s Harib Substation. The substation is located approximately 68 kilometers from the project area. Koryx said the transmission will connect to a newly constructed switching station that would distribute power to multiple substations across the mining operation and supporting facilities.
The design includes future scalability, with capacity planned up to 200 MVA. Koryx stated this would provide room for technological upgrades, including the potential use of electric haul trucks with trolley-assist systems. The company also said electrification could reduce diesel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while supporting mine productivity targets associated with decarbonisation efforts.
Koryx added that, beyond serving Haib, the transmission investment is expected to strengthen Namibia’s regional electricity network. Upon completion, it said the upgraded transmission assets and related infrastructure are expected to be transferred to NamPower.
NamPower engagement for grid connection and supply agreement
Koryx Copper has been engaging with NamPower on Haib’s connection to the national electricity network. Discussions have included assessing available grid capacity in southern Namibia, identifying suitable connection points and reviewing long-term electricity requirements for the project. The company said it has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NamPower covering cooperation as development progresses.
Koryx said both parties are expected to begin detailed design work on the transmission infrastructure in the near term. Current negotiations are focused on finalising a grid power supply offer intended to form the basis of a formal Power Supply Agreement. The company described this as an important milestone in its project timeline.
Bulk water sourcing studies for operational lifetime
Alongside energy planning, Koryx Copper is conducting studies aimed at securing a reliable bulk water source for Haib. The operation is expected to require approximately 20 million cubic meters of raw water annually, making water security part of project development planning. Engineers and hydrology specialists are evaluating two primary supply options.
The first option is extraction from the Orange River, located about 20 kilometers south of the project site. The second option under consideration is sourcing from Neckartal Dam, roughly 260 kilometers north of the proposed mining operation. After preliminary technical and economic assessments, Koryx said the Orange River has been identified as the preferred option due to proximity and lower infrastructure requirements.
Orange River extraction with off-channel storage
Koryx Copper described a proposed water supply scheme involving a single extraction point on the Orange River combined with off-channel water storage infrastructure designed for year-round reliability. It said hydrological studies assessed water availability across scenarios including seasonal fluctuations, drought conditions and long-term climate variability. The company reported that these studies indicate high supply security can be achieved through construction of an on-site storage reservoir.
Koryx said stored water would be collected during periods of surplus river flow and then used when direct abstraction may be limited by low water levels, droughts or environmental constraints. It added that the storage system is expected to support uninterrupted operations while enabling responsible water management in an arid region where resources require careful handling.
Sustainability elements incorporated into project planning
Koryx said Haib’s design is increasingly aligned with modern mining principles focused on sustainability, operational efficiency and infrastructure resilience. It cited planned integration of solar energy, potential battery storage systems, future-ready electric mining equipment and managed water resources as components aimed at reducing environmental impacts while maintaining economic viability.
The company also referenced copper demand trends tied to electrification, renewable energy deployment, electric vehicles and advanced technologies. It said projects capable of large-scale production with lower environmental footprints are attracting attention from investors and governments as global copper demand continues to rise.
Copper demand context cited for Haib development
Koryx stated copper remains important for the global energy transition, including use in electric vehicles, power transmission networks, renewable energy systems and emerging technologies. It said demand forecasts point to significant future supply deficits, increasing relevance for large-scale projects such as Haib within the global mining industry.
The company said its continued progress on infrastructure planning, renewable energy integration and sustainable water supply solutions supports Haib’s position as a potential future contributor to global copper production while aligning with Namibia’s mining sector and broader economic development goals.
