Bezant Resources just hit a major milestone—and it’s a big one. The company has received the all-important Environmental Clearance Certificate for its Hope and Gorob Copper-Gold Project in Namibia. This isn’t just paperwork—it’s the green light to shift into full mining mode under Mining Licence (ML) 246, and it signals the start of what could be a game-changing copper-gold operation in southern Africa.
Key Milestone – Environmental Clearance Certificate Granted
The Environmental Clearance Certificate, granted in 2024, officially activates ML 246, paving the way for large-scale mining activities. This certificate isn’t just a formality; it’s a regulatory green light that enables full mining operations under Namibian law. With this secured, Bezant Resources now has the legal and environmental go-ahead to mine a resource-rich area projected to have an over 11-year life of mine.
Overview of Hope and Gorob Copper-Gold Project
Spanning across central Namibia’s Matchless Copper Belt, the Hope and Gorob Project is no small undertaking. Covering a vast area of roughly 800 square kilometers, the licence includes deposits at Hope, Gorob, Vendome, Anomaly, Du Preez, and Luigi. With its JORC (2012) compliant 15 million tonnes (Mt) grading 1.2% copper (Cu)—equating to a hefty 190,000 tons of contained copper—this is a project with serious potential.
Geological Riches of the Project
Resource Composition and Distribution
Let’s break this down. The total resource, defined under strict JORC standards, clocks in at 15Mt at 1.2% Cu. But it’s not just about the tonnage. The Hope Deposit alone accounts for 4.2Mt at 1.7% Cu, making it one of the richest parts of the project and contributing 28% of total tonnage and 37% of the total copper.
Gorob, Vendome, and Anomaly deposits also contribute significantly to the overall resource, with further untapped zones like Luigi and Du Preez offering even more upside.
Tenure and Exploration Licences
Apart from ML 246, Bezant holds additional ground under Exploration Prospecting Licences (EPLs):
- EPL 5796 – 243 km²
- EPL 6605 – 419 km²
- EPL 7170 – 140 km²
All three of these licences were extended by Namibia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy in 2024, ensuring that exploration and expansion can continue in tandem with mining.
Strategic Location of the Project
Location, location, location! The project sits about 100 km southwest of Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, and roughly 120 km southeast of Walvis Bay, a key African port. That proximity to infrastructure and shipping routes is a big logistical win for getting copper-gold concentrate to market.
Updated Mineral Resource Estimates
In 2022, Bezant conducted shallow drilling to upgrade its resource base. This led to a 2023 update that confirmed the 15Mt at 1.2% Cu resource across Hope, Gorob, Vendome, and Anomaly. It’s proof that continued exploration and investment are paying off.
Mining Strategy and Development Phases
The mine plan is split into two major phases:
- Open Pit Mining (5 years) at Hope Deposit
- 480,000 tonnes per annum (tpa)
- Feed grade: 1.25% Cu / 0.25 g/t Au
- Underground Mining (4 years)
- 220,000 tpa
- Feed grade: 2.04% Cu / 0.48 g/t Au
This dual-phase approach maximizes output while managing costs and logistics effectively.
Potential for Life of Mine Extension
Gorob and Vendome could extend the operation by an extra two years, thanks to their 480ktpa production rate and 1.28% Cu grade. That’s not just padding—it’s a whole new revenue stream.
Untapped Potential in Other Deposits
There’s more copper and gold waiting. Deposits like Luigi, Anomaly A, and Du Preez have shown promising signs through surface mineralisation and wide-spaced borehole data. These areas could significantly boost resources if further exploration confirms the potential.
Metallurgical and Processing Advances
Testing has already shown the ore is amenable to conventional flotation, with strong copper and gold recovery rates. But here’s the kicker—dry ore sorting before flotation not only improves concentrate quality but also slashes processing costs. It’s smart mining in action.
Economic and Strategic Implications
Let’s talk numbers. With robust resources, multiple production phases, and the potential for gold upside, this project could deliver massive long-term value. For Namibia, that means jobs, infrastructure, and export revenues. For Bezant shareholders, it’s a bet that looks increasingly smart.
What’s Next for Bezant Resources?
With the clearance granted and studies completed, it’s go-time. The next steps include:
- Finalizing detailed mining and production schedules
- More drilling to upgrade and expand resources
- Feasibility analysis for Luigi, Du Preez, and other zones
All eyes are now on Bezant as it transitions from planning to execution.
Bezant Resources’ Hope and Gorob Project just moved from the drawing board into the real world with the Environmental Clearance Certificate in hand. With JORC-compliant resources, a solid mine plan, strategic location, and enormous exploration upside, this Namibian copper-gold project is now one of the most exciting in the region. If everything plays out as planned, it could become a cornerstone of copper supply from southern Africa for years to come.
