Rosh Pinah goes deep
Rosh Pinah Zinc Corporation has commenced construction on what it calls the largest-diameter raise bore ever attempted in Namibia. The WF3 Primary Exhaust Raise will feature two vertical shafts, each 5.1 metres in diameter, with a combined depth of 542 metres, setting a national record in mining engineering.
“This is a major milestone in our expansion journey,” said Alexander Shapumba, Senior Mine Planner and Vent Shaft Project Manager. “To put it in perspective, our current raises are typically 3 metres wide and 25 metres deep. This one is more than 20 times deeper and over three times wider.”
The project forms a critical part of the company’s RP2.0 Expansion Plan, which aims to boost ore production from 0.7Mtpa to 1.3Mtpa by 2027. Once completed, the WF3 Raise will significantly increase underground airflow, supporting deeper mining and improving working conditions.
Master Drilling, a tier-one international contractor with extensive experience in Namibia, has been appointed to lead the operation. “They’ve delivered consistently for us, making them the clear choice for this complex job,” said Liina Kahenge, Principal Mining Engineer.
Pilot drilling began in June 2025 using Master Drilling’s 97R machine and is expected to continue until February 2026. “Any delays would jeopardise our production timeline and result in significant financial losses,” warned Head of Operations Richard Murrell.
The first shaft will link the surface to the 200 Level (219 metres), while the second will extend from the 200 Level to the -120 Level (an additional 323 metres). The process includes 0.38m pilot drilling followed by back-reaming to the full 5.1m diameter.
Ventilation engineer Gabriel Uutoni stressed the system’s importance: “This raise is essential for future operations. It’s an investment in both productivity and the wellbeing of our people.”
“This is a major milestone in our expansion journey,” said Alexander Shapumba, Senior Mine Planner and Vent Shaft Project Manager. “To put it in perspective, our current raises are typically 3 metres wide and 25 metres deep. This one is more than 20 times deeper and over three times wider.”
The project forms a critical part of the company’s RP2.0 Expansion Plan, which aims to boost ore production from 0.7Mtpa to 1.3Mtpa by 2027. Once completed, the WF3 Raise will significantly increase underground airflow, supporting deeper mining and improving working conditions.
Master Drilling, a tier-one international contractor with extensive experience in Namibia, has been appointed to lead the operation. “They’ve delivered consistently for us, making them the clear choice for this complex job,” said Liina Kahenge, Principal Mining Engineer.
Pilot drilling began in June 2025 using Master Drilling’s 97R machine and is expected to continue until February 2026. “Any delays would jeopardise our production timeline and result in significant financial losses,” warned Head of Operations Richard Murrell.
The first shaft will link the surface to the 200 Level (219 metres), while the second will extend from the 200 Level to the -120 Level (an additional 323 metres). The process includes 0.38m pilot drilling followed by back-reaming to the full 5.1m diameter.
Ventilation engineer Gabriel Uutoni stressed the system’s importance: “This raise is essential for future operations. It’s an investment in both productivity and the wellbeing of our people.”
