Mining investor grabs Rosh Pinah Zinc
New owners revitalise Rosh Pinah 2.0
Expansion is on the cards again as Appian invests to push capacity up to 1.3 million tonnes a year at the mine.
In June, Appian Capital Advisory announced the acquisition of an 89.96% interest in the producing Rosh Pinah Zinc Mine, located deep in the south of the ||Karas Region, from Trevali Mining Corporation. Appian is an investment advisor to long-term value-focused private capital funds that invest in mining and mining-related companies.
According to Appian, highlights of the investment include the fact that Rosh Pinah is an operating underground zinc-lead mine with a 2 000 tonnes per-day milling operation.
Appian plans to restart the Rosh Pinah 2.0 mine expansion project, which will nearly double the mine's annual ore throughput to 1.3 million tonnes and improve safety and environmental performance. Furthermore, Appian will retain the existing site management team and workforce, who have substantive technical expertise and understanding of the asset.
Increasing energy role
Rosh Pinah is one of three recent investments by Appian in the attractive zinc market, a base metal that is playing an increasingly important role in the energy transition. The acquisition complements Appian's world-class portfolio of highly prospective assets located in attractive operating jurisdictions, according to the investment advisor.
According to Michael W. Scherb, founder and CEO of Appian: "This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Appian as we continue to develop our world-class portfolio of highly attractive zinc assets, a critical metal that will help facilitate the upcoming energy transition. We look forward to welcoming the 450 employees at Rosh Pinah to Appian as we utilise our extensive operational and project development expertise to support the existing management team with delivering the Rosh Pinah 2.0 expansion project. We extend our gratitude to the Namibian government, our valued partners, and the local community for their trust and support."
The iconic Rosh Pinah mine has been in continuous operation since 1969, producing zinc and lead sulphide concentrates as well as smaller amounts of copper, silver, and gold.
Rosh Pinah 2.0
Appian plans to restart the Rosh Pinah 2.0 expansion project, which envisages the construction of new processing facilities, including the addition of a paste fill and water treatment plant, as well as a dedicated portal and decline to extended deposits. The project will increase mill throughput from 0.7 million tonnes to 1.3 million tonnes of ore per annum, increasing zinc equivalent production to 170 million pounds per annum, on average.
Following Vedra Metals in Italy and Pine Point in Canada, Rosh Pinah is Appian's third investment in the attractive zinc market. Controlling ownership enables Appian to apply its best-in-class technical and operating capabilities to optimise existing operations and deliver the Rosh Pinah 2.0 expansion project safely, according to the company.
The attractive expansion project will significantly improve the mine's cost position and extend mine life, says Appian. The acquisition also promises significant upside from near-mine exploration and already identified prospects, while the operating mine boasts an experienced management team that has strong technical skills and in-depth knowledge of the asset.
Appian is a leading investment advisor in the metals and mining industry, with global experience across South America, North America, Australia and Africa and a successful track record of supporting companies to achieve their development targets. It has a global operating portfolio overseeing nearly 6 300 employees.