Erongo Mountains

Karibib Constituency, Erongo Region, Namibia

Key Information

Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.

The Erongo Mountains are in central-west Namibia, part of the Erongo Region, known for their volcanic origins and mineral richness.
They produce notable minerals like aquamarine beryl, schorl, fluorite, and jeremejevite, with over 100 valid minerals identified.
The geological structure is a late Jurassic calderalike volcano, composed mainly of granite and basalt.
Mining has occurred since the early 20th century, focusing on minerals and uranium, with ongoing small-scale operations.
The area features ancient rock art and is a tourist hotspot for hiking and wildlife, with a subtropical desert climate and diverse ecology.

Geographic Location

The Erongo Mountains are located in the Karibib Constituency of the Erongo Region, in central-west Namibia. This region stretches from the Central Plateau to the Namib Desert, with the mountains rising prominently to 2,320 meters above sea level. They dominate the flat plains west of Omaruru, flanked by the Namib Desert to the west and mixed woodland savannah to the east, making them a striking landmark in the landscape.

Minerals Produced

The Erongo Mountains are a treasure trove for mineral enthusiasts, known for producing exceptional specimens of aquamarine beryl, schorl, fluorite, and jeremejevite. Other significant minerals include cassiterite, ferberite, metanovacekite, uranophane, and metazeunerite. The region is also the type locality for cheralite (formerly known as brabantite), with over 100 valid minerals identified, making it a hotspot for collectors and researchers.

Geological Structure

Geologically, the Erongo Mountains are a remnant of a massive volcano active around 150 million years ago during the late Jurassic period. The volcano's center collapsed, forming a calderalike structure filled with slow-cooling igneous material. Erosion has revealed a core of granite and basalt, contributing to the area's rich mineral diversity and unique geological formations.

Mining History

Mining in the Erongo Region has a long history, with activities dating back to the early 20th century or earlier. The mountains have been a focus for small-scale mining, extracting minerals like aquamarine and topaz, while the broader region includes significant uranium and salt mining operations. These activities continue today, attracting both commercial interests and amateur collectors.

Local Culture and Characteristics

The Erongo Mountains are not just geologically significant but also culturally rich, featuring ancient rock art from hunter-gatherers that dates back thousands of years. This area is a popular tourist destination, offering activities like hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing, with accommodations providing guided walks to explore the region's history and natural beauty.

Climate and Ecology

The climate is subtropical desert, characterized by low precipitation, with an average of about 9.45 millimeters annually. Despite the arid conditions, the ecology is diverse, supporting a variety of plant, reptile, mammal, and bird species, some endemic to Namibia. This unique confluence of ecosystems makes the Erongo Mountains a fascinating area for nature enthusiasts.