The Skorpion Zinc Mine in southern Namibia is a unique zinc operation located near Rosh Pinah in the ǁKaras Region. It produces Special High Grade (SHG) zinc, a highly pure form of zinc, using a solvent extraction-electrowinning (SX-EW) process, which is uncommon for zinc mines globally. The mine exploits a supergene zinc ore body consisting of alluvial accumulations of zinc carbonate and silicate minerals like sauconite, smithsonite, and hydrozincite, rather than more typical sulphide ores.
Commissioned by Anglo American in 2003 at a capital cost of around US$450 million, the mine was initially designed with a life of about 11 years, producing approximately 150,000 tonnes per year of SHG zinc. The ore body lies beneath 12 to 14 meters of calcretised sand and gravel, with an ore grade that once averaged about 11.6% zinc. The mining method is open-pit, with a waste-to-ore ratio close to 2.63:1.
In 2010, Vedanta Resources acquired the mine for about US$707 million. The mine faced technical challenges leading to periods of suspension, including a care and maintenance status from 2020 due to factors such as pit failures and depletion of economically viable ore reserves. Despite this, Vedanta has indicated plans to restart operations, potentially as early as 2027. Before suspension, the mine handled lower-grade and marginal ores to extend production beyond the originally planned life.
Skorpion Zinc remains significant for Namibia as a major employer in the region (about 1,900 jobs when active) and for producing ultra-pure zinc that commands a price premium due to its low impurities. The operation includes an open pit mine, a mill, and a hydro/electrometallurgical refinery combined with a melting and casting facility. Power infrastructure includes a substantial 120 MVA capacity linked to national grids, highlighting its importance in Namibia’s industrial framework.
In summary, Skorpion Zinc is distinguished by its rare oxide zinc deposit, unique SX-EW processing technology, and historical role as an industrial flagship in Namibia’s mining sector, now on care and maintenance with plans for a potential future restart.
