Craton seeks power connection

Craton Mining & Exploration is currently negotiating with the Namibia Power Corporation for a power line for its proposed Omitiomire copper oxide mine project near Hochveld in the Khomas region. It is possible that such a power supply could in future be used to augment the existing power supplies in the area and could also provide for other future development in that area. 

The proposed mine, for which a mining licence was issued in September 2014, is located about 140 km north-east of Windhoek. It will focus on the near surface oxidised copper ore.   According to Andre Genis, Chief Operating Officer of Craton, the power line is needed as there is no bulk power in the area. The intention is to build a 132 kilovolt overhead power line which will run in a northerly direction towards Omitiomire from a T-off on the Auas-Gobabis power line.  In addition to the 70 kilometre power line, electrical substations at both the T-off from the Auas-Gobabis power line and at the proposed Omitiomire mine will be required.  Genis said the power line route is still under negotiation by NamPower and points out that the selection of the final route is subject to an environmental impact assessment (EIA), including a public participation process.