Mineral exploration and development company Aldoro Resources is targeting maiden drilling for niobium at its Kameelburg Rare Earths Project in Namibia by Q3 this year. Situated 60km from Otjiwarongo and 300km from Windhoek, the project encompasses prospecting licenses 7372, 7373 and 7895.
Subject to regulatory approvals, the operation will be supported by metallurgical test work conducted by mining services company Bureau Veritas Minerals in July this year, which generated niobium recoveries of 62.4%. Large-scale geological mapping of the site is nearing completion, with track access clearance and preparation for underground water supplies expected to support previous niobium findings.
Developed mainly for the construction industry, niobium products are used to construct bridges, viaducts, high-rise buildings, heavy machinery, pressure vessels, transmission towers and railway tracks. According to market research company, Mordor Intelligence, the niobium market size is estimated at 106.85 kilotons in 2024 and is expected to reach 171.49 kilotons by 2029.
