Offshore mining project expected to deliver up to 60,000 carats annually, solidifying Namibia’s role as a top diamond producer.
Lagos, Nigeria – Nigerian-based Alpha Petroleum has secured a groundbreaking $200 million diamond mining contract in the Republic of Namibia, awarded by NAMDEB—a joint venture between the Namibian government and De Beers Group. The contract, which marks Alpha Petroleum’s first major deal in Central Africa, grants the company the right to conduct mining operations within NAMDEB’s offshore sea mining license.
Set to begin on October 1, 2024, the mining project will focus on extracting diamonds from diamondiferous gravels in Namibia’s offshore Halifax Island and Kerbehuk mining zones. Alpha Petroleum will utilize a shallow water mining vessel equipped with advanced technology to extract, process, and recover diamonds from these areas. The extracted diamonds will be delivered monthly to the Contractors Treatment Facility in Luderitz, Namibia, with annual production estimated between 30,000 to 60,000 carats.
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Economic Impact and Strategic Importance
This operation is expected to significantly boost Namibia’s diamond output, further enhancing the country’s status as a leading diamond-producing nation. The economic benefits of the project will also be felt in the local region, particularly in the Halifax Island and Kerbehuk zones.
Dr. Babajide Agunbiade, Founder and CEO of Kerbehuk mining zone, expressed his excitement about the contract win. “We’re proud to have won this competitive bid, and we’re ready to commence operations on what will be the largest diamond mining project in Namibia,” he said, noting the project’s importance for both Namibia and the African continent.
Commitment to Responsible Mining
Alpha Petroleum, a subsidiary of Alpha Energy Resources, specializes in marine mining with a strong focus on both shallow and deep-water operations. Known for their commitment to responsible mining practices, this contract strengthens Alpha Petroleum’s presence in the global mining industry and highlights Nigeria’s expanding role in Africa’s energy and mining sectors.
