Rosh Pinah Zinc (“RPZ”) and Appian Capital Advisory Limited (the investment advisor to long-term value-focused private capital funds, “Appian”) are pleased to announce the commissioning of the new SAG (semi-autogenous grinding) mill. Replacing the existing ball mill, it is the final major processing component of the RP2.0 expansion project (RP2.0).
- SAG mill commissioning completes the core processing infrastructure of RP2.0
- Processing throughput doubles from 0.7 million tonnes per annum to 1.4 million tonnes per annum
- RP2.0 now over 95% complete, on schedule and on budget
The new SAG mill is the centerpiece of RP2.0, and will double RPZ’s processing throughput to 1.4 million tonnes of ore per annum following mine ramp-up, delivering a step-change in annual zinc and lead concentrate production. Its commissioning brings the full RP2.0 circuit into operation as an integrated system, incorporating the paste fill and water treatment plants and expanded flotation (entire new Zn circuit), thickening and filtration capacity.
The revised flowsheet enhances comminution efficiency and resilience, delivering improved grind size control and metallurgical recovery while lowering unit operating costs. Ore is crushed to a coarser product size ahead of the SAG mill, reducing dust generation throughout the crushing circuit and improving working conditions, environmental performance and on-site material handling.
The SAG mill increases RPZ’s processing capacity and enhances the plant’s ability to treat harder ore types, which become more prevalent as mining progresses. In addition, the SAG mill has been designed with excess capacity, providing the potential for future production increases.
The expanded processing capacity extends the operation’s economic life and improves resource utilization across the orebody, strengthening RPZ as a long-life base metals project in Namibia. RP2.0 comprises further development of the underground mine, including the newly developed WF3 portal and decline, as well as the construction of new surface facilities. The project continues to advance on schedule and on budget, with overall construction progress now surpassing 95%.
The project has been executed with an exemplary safety record, achieving over 2,000,000 lost-time injury (LTI)-free hours to date.
Ignacio Bustamante, CEO of Base Metals at Appian, commented: “Commissioning the SAG mill marks the completion of our core processing infrastructure and reflects the quality of execution by the RPZ team throughout the RP2.0 program. With the full circuit now operational, the project is positioned to achieve a step-change in production output. This milestone demonstrates Appian and RPZ’s commitment to value-accretive, operationally rigorous project delivery, and we look forward to realizing the full benefits of RP2.0 as throughput ramps up.”
For further information:
About Rosh Pinah Zinc
Rosh Pinah Zinc is an operating underground zinc-lead mine located in southwestern Namibia, acquired by Appian in June 2023. The mine has been in continuous operation since 1969, producing concentrates containing, zinc, lead and silver.
Appian Capital Advisory Limited:
Andrew Todd, Head of Communications: +44 7990416759 / [email protected]
+44 (0)20 7004 0951 / [email protected]
About Appian Capital Advisory Limited
Appian Capital Advisory Ltd is the investment advisor to long-term value-focused private capital funds that invest in companies in metals, mining, and adjacent industries.
Appian is a leading investment advisor with global experience across South America, North America, Australia and Africa and a successful track record of supporting companies in metals, mining, and adjacent industries to achieve their development targets, with a global operating portfolio overseeing more than 13,000 employees.
Appian has a global team of ~100 experienced investment professionals, combining financial and technical expertise, with presences in London, Abu Dhabi, New York, Dubai, Belo Horizonte, São Paulo, Beijing, Hong Kong, Toronto, Lima and Perth.
For more information, please visit www.appiancapitaladvisory.com, or find us on LinkedIn, Instagram or Twitter/X.
