Publication: SA Mining
Issue: November/December 2023

Knight Piésold’s efforts in respect of environmental studies for Haib Copper aim to ensure the environmentally sustainable, and locally relevant, development of Namibian resources.

Knight Piésold Consulting (KP) formally initiated the environmental studies for the Haib Copper Project through kick-off meetings with the relevant ministries in Windhoek, Namibia, in late October 2023.

KP Namibia was appointed by Koryx Copper Inc (formerly Deep-South Resources), trading as Haib Minerals (Pty) Ltd, to develop the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) towards applying for the necessary authorisations for proposed Haib Copper mining operations.

The project site is near Noordoewer in the Karas Region and includes an opencast copper mine with heap leach recovery. Technical studies are due to start soon, but the environmental and social baseline studies need adequate time and resources and have thus started ahead of the technical programme.

KP and the Haib Minerals technical team similarly went on a reconnaissance survey in early November to develop initial project risk assessments. It is crucial that the scope of their studies is adequate to define the baseline and impacts. KP will work closely with the technical team to ensure the mitigation hierarchy is applied in site selection and design options.

The project is broadly split into two components. The first is to conduct a comprehensive investigation to understand all aspects of the receiving bio-physical and socio-economic environment. The second will develop impact studies and management plans that consider and manage potential negative impacts, while also maximising positive social and economic impacts the project may have.

The environmental and social management plan is the most important output, as this will govern the construction phase where most impacts are expected. KP’s objective is to limit the project footprint and avoid or minimise project impacts. KP’s inputs will ensure that the mine is designed and operated with ultimate closure in mind, in line with global standards. With regard to gathering all the relevant data, KP will be supported by various Namibian and South African specialists, focusing on fields including hydrogeology and geochemistry, terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity, archaeology/cultural heritage, noise and air quality, socio-economics and stakeholder engagement. All studies will meet national requirements and incorporate international good practice.

KP recognises that the project is in a sensitive area, and therefore will have a heightened duty of care to balance development with conservation. The organisation therefore values open communication and ongoing collaboration with regulators and stakeholders, from the outset.

KP prides itself on representing African Excellence towards ensuring the environmentally sustainable, and locally relevant, development of Namibian resources.

Knight Piésold was founded in 1921 and is globally recognised as an employee-owned consulting firm, specialising in providing comprehensive services in mining, power, water resources, and infrastructure. Boasting a team of 1 200 professionals, spread across 29 offices, in 16 countries, the firm is composed of engineers, environmental scientists, geoscientists, and technologists, who collaboratively contribute their expertise to add significant value to diverse projects.

With a commitment to global integration and industry proficiency, Knight Piésold excels in effective risk mitigation and ensuring long-term success in complex business environments.

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