Deep-South's court verdict against Alweendo's refusal to renew EPL set for March 15


The High Court of Namibia will on March 15 announce the verdict in the case where Deep-South Resources wants mines minister Tom Alweendo's decision not to renew the Haib copper mine exploration and prospecting licence renewed.

Alweendo informed Deep-South that he would not renew Deep-South's Haib mine EPL in June 2021.

The minister cited Deep-South's inability to advance the licence to pre-feasibility and complete the proposed drilling program as planned. 

Deep-South maintains that the ministry was well apprised, with no objection on their part, of a proposed change from the pre-feasibility study to an upgraded preliminary economic assessment (PEA) and commencement of a complete feasibility study. 

The company also said the ministry had issued all permits required for the drilling program and is well aware that Deep-South has completed the drilling program.

Deep-South wants the High Court to review the minister's decision.

The High Court announced in November 2022 that the verdict would be ready by February 21, 2022.

Deep-South president Pierre Leveille said: "With the recent events at the Ministry of Mines, the decision of the judge to postpone the verdict a second time is an important sign that the court takes this case very seriously."

The Haib copper deposit is in the extreme south of Namibia, close to the border with South Africa, defined by the course of the Orange River. 

The deposit lies some 12 – 15 kilometres east of South Africa and Namibia's main tarred interstate highway. 

The nearest railway station is at Grunau, some 120km north on the main highway. This rail connection could provide access to either Luderitz's port or Walvis Bay via Windhoek or South African ports or facilities via Upington.


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