Announcement and Investment
On 11 September 2025, Namibia announced a major boost to its processing infrastructure with new investments in sulphuric acid production. Green Metals Refining will build a US$59 million sulphuric acid plant at Walvis Bay, with an initial capacity of 175,000 tons per year and plans to scale up to 720,000 tons. At the same time, Vedanta Resources confirmed it is restarting its acid plant at the Skorpion operations, targeting output of around 1,000 tons per day. Together, these initiatives mark the largest expansion of acid production capacity in the country’s history.
Strategic Role of Sulphuric Acid
Sulphuric acid is a critical input for leaching processes in uranium, copper, and manganese mining—all sectors in which Namibia is rapidly expanding. Uranium production is rising on the back of new demand for nuclear power, while copper and manganese projects are part of the country’s push to diversify its critical mineral exports. By strengthening domestic acid production, Namibia aims to reduce reliance on imports, lower costs for local miners, and improve supply security for processing plants, thereby supporting both competitiveness and sustainability.
Broader Implications
The expansion of sulphuric acid capacity reflects Namibia’s strategy to position itself as a regional hub for critical minerals processing, rather than just an exporter of raw materials. This aligns with the government’s broader industrialization goals, which emphasize local value addition, job creation, and supply chain resilience. However, observers caution that managing environmental risks from acid production and ensuring that benefits reach local communities will be essential. If implemented effectively, these investments could help Namibia capture a greater share of the energy transition value chain while reinforcing its role as a stable partner in global critical mineral supply.