Tsumeb smelter completes transformation to Dundee

WINDHOEKDENVER ISAACS Canadian miners Dundee Precious Metals (DPM) last week completed the rebranding of its Namibian operation, previously known as Tsumeb Custom Smelters. The smelter now goes by the name Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb, complete with a new logo signifying its new identity. The Canadian holding company bought the smelter from Weatherly Mining International in 2010 for a reported amount of N$33 million in cash plus shares in Weatherly. It followed a tumultuous time for the smelter, which between 1988 and 2010 went through various owners and levels of operation - including Tsumeb Corporation Limited (until 1988), Ongopolo Mining and Processing Limited (OMPL) and Weatherly Mining International (who bought Ongopolo in 2006). Announcing the new smelter name, DPM executive vice-president for sustainable development Adrian Goldstone said it represents Dundee's commitment to both Tsumeb and Namibia, and demonstrates the company's intentions of staying for the long run. “We are committed to making the Tsumeb smelter an industry-leading smelting operation. Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb will soon be among the modern and efficient complex smelters in the world,” Goldstone said. Since DPM's acquisition of the smelter in 2010, he said, the company has invested N$760 million in the improvement of worker safety and environmental protection. These efforts include emission-reduction projects, new dust-collection facilities and equipment, and a state-of-the-art dust disposal facility. He also stated that groundbreaking work for a N$2,3 billion acid plant, aimed at eliminating sulphur dioxide emissions, would start in the next two months. Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb (DPMT) vice-president and general manager Hans Nolte said the company has spent about N$3 million on social responsibility programmes through the Tsumeb Community Trust. “As a long-time resident of Tsumeb, and someone who worked for previous smelter owners, Dundee has brought about significant improvements to both the smelter and the community,” Nolte said. The new DPMT logo features a golden globe, which the company said illustrates its worldwide locations and focus; as well as a circle of chevrons (v-shaped badges, typically used in military uniform to denote rank), positioned in a clockwise direction - which the company says demonstrates forward progress and a commitment to positive collaboration with its stakeholders. At the base of the new logo is a 'Tsumeb' nameplate, which the executives said symbolises their commitment to the town and Namibia at large.