Kombat Mine
Kombat, Otavi Constituency, Otjozondjupa Region, Namibia
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
Kombat Mine is in the Otavi Constituency, Otjozondjupa Region, Namibia, 37 km east of Otavi.
It produces copper, silver, lead, and rare minerals like nambulite and kombatite.
The mine has a complex geological structure, part of the Otavi Mountainland, with a history of mining since 1900.
Mining operations ran from 1962 to 2008, reopened in 2021, and include plans for future expansion.
The area has a hot semi-arid climate, with cultural ties to mining and educational facilities like Kombat Lodge.
Geographic Location
Kombat Mine is situated in the Otavi Constituency, Otjozondjupa Region, Namibia, at the southern edge of the Otavi Mountain Range. It is about 37 km east of Otavi and 45 km southwest of Grootfontein, making it accessible via the B8 road. This location places it in a mineral-rich corridor, with nearby famous localities including the renowned Tsumeb Mine (37 km west), Otjikoto Mine (south of Otavi, known for gold), and Navachab Mine (near Karibib, also gold). The coordinates are 19°43′S 17°43′E, offering a precise pinpoint for enthusiasts (Wikipedia).
Minerals and Geological Insights
The mine is a treasure trove for mineral enthusiasts, primarily producing copper, with significant silver and lead. It also hosts rare minerals like nambulite and kombatite, with 16 type localities (TL) where minerals were first described, such as asisite, carlfrancisite, and ribbeite. Unique occurrences include ribbeite appearing as pinkish lenses up to 5 cm thick and kombatite as tiny 0.2 mm yellow grains in calcite veins. Geologically, it lies in the Otavi Mountainland, part of the Damara Orogenic Belt, with Otavi Group carbonates dating back 500-550 million years, featuring complex structures like the Otavi Valley Syncline and mineralized zones near faults (Trigon Metals).
Mining History and Operations
Mining began around 1900, with significant operations from 1962 to 2008, producing 12.46 million tonnes of ore at 2.6% copper. Closed in 2008 due to flooding, it was reopened by Trigon Metals in 2021. Recent activities include open pit production since May 2023 and underground mining since February 2024, with plans to double mill capacity by 2025 and target 69.8 million pounds of copper by 2027 (Mindat.org).
Local Culture and Environment
Kombat, once bustling with over 1,000 residents, now has a quieter presence with a primary school, clinic, and the Welwitchia Health Training Center offering nursing and IT programs. Kombat Lodge provides recreational space for visitors. The area’s mining heritage is deep, with Tsumeb Mine known locally for centuries, and historical trade in salt, ivory, and copper beads 400 years ago. The climate is hot semi-arid (BSh), typical of Namibia’s savanna and semi-desert landscapes, influencing mineral formation (Atlas of Namibia).