Tsumeb Mine (Ongopolo Mine)

Tsumeb Mine is located in the town of Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, northern Namibia, about 435 km north of Windhoek, the capital. Namibia is in southwestern Africa, and Tsumeb sits at 1,310 meters above sea level in the Otavi Mountainland. This area, part of the "Maize Triangle," is known for both minerals and agriculture, with nearby towns like Otavi and Grootfontein sharing similar characteristics. Its proximity to Etosha National Park makes it a gateway for tourists, adding to its regional importance.

The Tsumeb Mine is a treasure trove for mineral enthusiasts, having produced over 240 minerals, with 56 being type localities—meaning they were first discovered here. It's renowned for copper, lead, zinc, silver, germanium, and cadmium, but its fame lies in rare finds like arsendescloizite and certain germanium minerals, unique to this site. Specimens like smithsonite and cerussite are prized for their vibrant colors and crystal formations, making Tsumeb a must-visit for collectors.

Geologically, the mine is hosted in Neoproterozoic Otavi Dolomite, with a steeply dipping ore pipe extending to 1,000 meters deep. This structure, formed 1000 to 541 million years ago, created ideal conditions for mineral formation through hydrothermal processes. Mining began in 1907 after discovery in 1851, producing 30 million tons of ore by 1996, including 1.7 million tons of copper. It was reopened later by Ongopolo Mining and sold to Weatherly Mining Ltd in 2006, with a notable strike in 1971-1972 over labor issues.

Tsumeb is a planned company town, known as the "gateway to the north," near Etosha National Park. It features the Tsumeb Arts and Crafts Centre, showcasing traditional Namibian homes, reflecting its cultural diversity. The climate is hot semi-arid, with average temperatures of 29.7°C maximum and 14.4°C minimum, and 555 mm annual rainfall, supporting maize agriculture. Ecologically, the area includes unique underground lakes like Otjikoto, adding natural allure.