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Nasdaq-listed gold miner Namib Minerals has reported improved operational consistency and meaningful cost reductions, marking a stabilisation phase that management says is strengthening the foundation for the company’s planned expansion and mine-restart programme in Zimbabwe, Mining Zimbabwe reports.
By Ryan Chigoche
In its latest operational update dated December 15, operational throughput was maintained over the past 30 days, pointing to steadier plant performance and more reliable mine execution.
At the same time, cost performance improved significantly, with on-mine all-in sustaining costs (AISC) declining by approximately 8% month-on-month to US$2,140 per ounce, while company-level AISC fell by around 11%, driven by sustained cost-control measures and tighter operational discipline.
Management said the current phase is deliberately focused on stability rather than production growth. Efforts have centred on predictable run rates, cash discipline, and consistent cost management measures that the company noted are already improving cost visibility and execution reliability across operations.
“Our priority has been to stabilise operations and establish predictable run rates,” said Ibrahima Tall, Chief Executive Officer. “The improvements we are seeing reflect disciplined execution and provide a foundation for further optimisation as we continue through this consistency phase.”
The focus on operational discipline has also delivered strong safety outcomes.
Over the three months ended November, no reportable lost-time injuries were recorded, reinforcing management’s view that consistency on the ground supports both productivity and workforce safety.
This stabilisation update comes as Namib advances a broader growth strategy previously outlined by the company.
As reported by Mining Zimbabwe in November, Namib plans a major expansion of ore-milling capacity at How Mine, targeting an increase from 40,500 tonnes per month in 2024 to 55,000 tonnes per month by 2026—a rise of approximately 36%—with commissioning scheduled for the second half of 2026.
The expansion is designed not only to lift processing volumes but also to offset the impact of declining grades, positioning How Mine for more efficient and resilient medium-term production once the current stabilisation phase is fully embedded.
In parallel, Namib is progressing with restart preparations at its Redwing and Mazowe assets.
Enabling works and surface infrastructure upgrades are underway, alongside detailed feasibility studies aimed at refining capital efficiency and restart sequencing.
WSP has been engaged to deliver S-K 1300-compliant feasibility studies for both mines, providing the technical backbone for future reserve conversion, permitting, and financing discussions.
Taken together, these initiatives support Namib’s longer-term ambition to evolve into a multi-asset, mid-tier gold producer. Management estimates total capital requirements for the broader expansion and restart programme at between US$300 million and US$400 million, with Redwing expected to account for the largest share.
For now, however, the company said its immediate priority remains operational consistency.
Namib indicated it will continue providing regular updates as it progresses through the stabilisation phase, noting that the improvements outlined in its December 15, 2025, update establish a more resilient operating base ahead of planned capacity expansion and mine restarts.
