RPZ eyes 2026 finish with water plant online
The new water treatment plant is designed to retreat and recycle process water generated across RPZ’s operations, significantly lowering the mine’s dependency on raw water addition from the Orange River. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

RPZ eyes 2026 finish with water plant online

Rosh Pinah Zinc has commissioned a new water treatment plant at its Namibian operation, marking a significant step in its environmental strategy as the RP2.0 expansion project surpasses 90% completion.


The plant retreats and recycles process water generated across RPZ's operations, substantially reducing the mine's reliance on raw water drawn from the Orange River, the principal freshwater source for mining operations in the region. By closing the water loop at scale, the facility lowers RPZ's environmental footprint and supports the long-term sustainability of communities that depend on shared river resources.


The commissioning follows the recent start-up of Namibia's first paste backfill plant at RPZ, and represents the latest operational advancement under the RP2.0 expansion, which is designed to double the mine's production output. Construction remains on schedule and on budget, with full completion expected by the end of 2026 and production ramp-up to commence shortly thereafter.


Ignacio Bustamante, head of Base Metals at Appian Capital Advisory Limited, the investment advisor to RPZ, said the milestone reflected the company's broader commitment to responsible operations. "Responsible water management is critical to both our operations and our environmental commitments. This milestone demonstrates our commitment to building a sustainable, long-term operation with a high standard of environmental stewardship," he said.

Advertisments