230310001120 - Application for Renewal of Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) for the Proposed Mining and Ongoing Exploration Activities in the Mining License (ML) No. 204, Karibib Project Karibib District, Erongo Region, Namibia

The application for the renewal of the ECC by the Proponent is for the proposed mining and ongoing exploration activities in the Mining License (ML) No. 204, Karibib Project, Karibib District, Erongo Region, Namibia. Proposed project lifecycle will cover preconstruction, construction, operation, monitoring and ongoing rehabilitation and mine closure decommissioning and aftercare stages. The following is the summary of the proposed mine development components and key information: (i) Open pit mines will be developed on the Rubicon and Helikon 1 deposits only. Mining will be using conventional diesel-powered mining equipment. (ii) Social benefits – creation of 115 direct jobs with indirect job creation (services and support industries) estimated at seven times that number and livelihoods being created to benefit Namibian families. (iii) Symbiotic co-existence with local farmers and communities. (iv) Enhancement of local community infrastructure through roads and water supply. (v) Community support programs developed and focussed on critical resources, health and education, diversity, and sustainable micro business development. (vi) A mineral concentrator will be installed close to the Rubicon pit. The processing facilities will use conventional crushing and grinding with mineral separation by froth flotation. The processing rate has been reduced to 330,000 tonnes per annum for up to four years, then increasing to 540,000 tonnes per annum for a project life (including construction, commissioning, and closure) of circa 18 years. (vii) The plant tailings will be filtered to a moisture content of circa 15% to recycle process water. (viii) The mine waste from Rubicon and the tailings will be co-disposed in a single landform structure to facilitate progressive rehabilitation, closure, and stability. Geochemical testing has been completed confirming that the process tailings is low risk. (ix) The Project will be supplied by a 66kV powerline to be developed by Lepidico Chemicals Namibia (Pty) Ltd and operated by Namibia Power Corporation (NamPower) (Pty) Ltd. (x) The project will use existing infrastructure including the access road, a haul road from Helikon 1 to Rubicon, the borehole field, and other minor facilities. (xi) Lepidico Chemicals Namibia (Pty) Ltd adheres to the Equator Principles and International Finance Corporation's Environmental and Social Performance Standards. These are to be reflected in the updated documentation. (xii) Lepidico Chemicals Namibia (Pty) Ltd has undertaken socioeconomic studies to develop a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. These have been incorporated into the documentation such this Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), and. (xiii) Sustainable closure – industry best practice closure plans that will rectify mining and processing legacy issues. The Project will be designed for closure in-line with the Best Practice Guide for Mining in Namibia. The Project Mine Closure Plan has been prepared to be updated annually.