Berg Aukas Mine

Berg Aukas Mine is situated in the Grootfontein Constituency, Otjozondjupa Region, in central northern Namibia, approximately 460 km north of Windhoek, the capital. It's near the town of Grootfontein, a key stop for travelers, and is accessible via major roads like the B1 and B8, linking it to other regional centers. Nearby, the Abenab Mine, also known for vanadium and lead, is about 32 km north of Grootfontein, making this area a hotspot for mineral enthusiasts.

This mine is renowned for its zinc, lead, and vanadium deposits, particularly for its exceptional descloizite crystals, which are metallic black to green-black and sometimes iridescent. Other notable minerals include smithsonite, willemite, and vanadinite, offering a diverse collection for mineral collectors. Surprisingly, it's reported as the world's leading accumulation of descloizite, adding to its allure for crystal enthusiasts.

The mine's geology features a karst structure, a collapse breccia formed from soluble rocks like limestone or dolomite, filled with mineral-rich material. This setting, typical of sedimentary environments, explains the unique mineral formations found here, making it a fascinating study for geological exploration.

Discovered in 1913, mining began in 1920 and continued until 1978, closing due to low commodity prices. It likely used both open pit and underground methods, given the depth of deposits (350m to 550m below surface), and was a significant producer during its operation, leaving a legacy of mineral specimens.

Grootfontein, nearby, has a rich history with German colonial influences, including an old fort now a museum. The area is also home to the Hoba meteorite, the largest known on Earth. Local specialties include agricultural products like meat, dairy, sorghum, peanuts, sunflowers, and leather goods, reflecting the region's farming heritage.

The region has a hot, dry subtropical steppe climate (BSh), with minimal rainfall, supporting a semi-arid savanna ecosystem. Wildlife includes antelopes like gemsbok and eland, and predators like cheetahs and wild dogs, with nearby parks like Waterberg Plateau and Etosha offering viewing opportunities.