The envisaged mining or technical school at Tsumeb has come one step closer to reality with Ongopolo Mining donating buildings worth N$ 15 million for the proposed higher learning institution. According to the NBC, hostel accommodation, dining rooms and a cinema from the former TLC Mining Company, now belonging to Ongopolo, will form the nucleus of the future mining school. Ongopolo Mining and Processing is earning about N$ 30 to 35 million per month smelting copper for other mining companies from countries like South Africa, Zambia, the DRC, Hungary and Bulgaria. Mr André Neethling, managing director of Ongopolo, accompanied President Sam Nujoma to Zambia last week, where he held talks with the Zambian mining sector to establish a copper refinery as a joint project. The refinery will be situated in Namibia. Ongopolo currently produces around 2000 tonnes of copper per annum, which is exported through Walvis Bay.