Manganese refinery plans advance in Walvis Bay

Green Metals Refining has secured environmental approval for a planned manganese refinery and sulphuric acid plant in Walvis Bay, advancing its bid to establish local processing capacity for materials linked to the energy transition.

The approvals move the proposed developments a step closer to investment consideration, although neither project has reached a final investment decision. The company is still working through feasibility studies and technical assessments, with no project costs, output targets or construction dates disclosed.

The projects are designed to produce battery-grade manganese chemicals for energy-transition supply chains and sulphuric acid for the refinery and external customers. If developed, they would add processing capacity to Namibia’s mining and industrial base, while creating potential opportunities for local suppliers, skills development and employment.

The ministry of environment granted environmental clearance certificates on October 9 for the proposed facilities at Farm 58 in Walvis Bay, following a review of their environmental impact assessments and management plans, Green Metals Refining said.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer Derk Hartman said the clearances had reduced project risk and strengthened the company’s position as it works towards the next development stages.

“With the Environmental Clearance Certificate in hand for both the manganese refinery and the sulphuric acid plant, GMR has significantly de-risked the projects,” Hartman said.

“This approval is a strong endorsement of our responsible development strategy and our commitment to Namibia’s long-term industrialisation.”

Hartman also credited government engagement and the specialists who worked on the environmental process.

“We are grateful to the team of specialists who worked tirelessly to secure this outcome, and we appreciate the constructive engagement from the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy and the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism,” he said.

“Their support has been instrumental in advancing both projects.”

Green Metals Refining said it was advancing the tender process to appoint an engineer for the sulphuric acid plant’s feasibility study. It has also completed advanced metallurgical testwork to support the manganese refinery’s pre-feasibility study.

The company operates through three wholly owned Namibian subsidiaries: Green Metals Refining Namibia, which is developing the refinery; Kudu Chemicals, which is developing the acid plant; and Foxtrot Industrial Developments, which is intended to provide infrastructure and shared services.