Kaokoveld Plateau
Kunene Region, Namibia
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
The Kaokoveld Plateau is in northwestern Namibia, near Angola and the Atlantic Ocean, part of the Kaokoveld Desert.
It is rich in copper and lead minerals like dioptase and wulfenite, often collected for high-quality specimens.
The geology consists mainly of sedimentary limestone, with minerals formed in these rocks.
Mining is small-scale, focused on specimen collection, and has been active for decades.
The Himba people, with their traditional lifestyle, are a key part of the local culture.
The climate is hot with summer rainfall, supporting unique desert flora and fauna like elephants and lions.
Geographic Location
The Kaokoveld Plateau lies in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia, close to the border with Angola and the Atlantic Ocean. It is part of the Kaokoveld Desert, a coastal desert known for its harsh, beautiful landscape of sand dunes and rocky mountains. Nearby, the Namib Desert to the south and the Namibian savanna woodlands to the east add to its unique setting. The region is remote, with Opuwo as a notable nearby settlement, and it's a short distance from the famous Epupa Falls.
Minerals Produced
This area is a treasure trove for mineral enthusiasts, boasting numerous copper and lead deposits within the limestone of the Otavi group. Standout minerals include dioptase, known for its vibrant green color, wulfenite with its bright yellow hues, and malachite, alongside rarer finds like shattuckite and cerussite. These minerals are prized for their quality, often collected as high-quality specimens for collectors and museums.
Geological Structure and Formation
The geology here is predominantly sedimentary, with limestone being a key rock type from the Otavi group. The mineral deposits, especially copper and lead, formed within these limestones, likely through hydrothermal processes that enriched the rocks with secondary minerals over time.
Mining History
Mining in the Kaokoveld Plateau is small-scale and focused on collecting mineral specimens rather than large-scale industrial operations. It seems likely that significant activity began in the early 2000s, with mines like Onderra and Christoph producing notable finds, continuing to provide specimens for enthusiasts.
Local Culture and Characteristics
The Himba people, a semi-nomadic tribe, are central to the region's culture. They maintain a traditional lifestyle, known for their distinctive red ochre skin, intricate hairstyles, and handmade jewelry, offering a unique cultural experience for visitors. The area also features the Ovahimba Living Museum, where tourists can learn about their traditions.
Climate and Ecology
The climate is desert-like, with hot summers and minimal rainfall, mostly in the summer months. Despite the aridity, the region supports unique adaptations, including desert-dwelling elephants and lions, which roam the dry riverbeds, alongside baobab trees and diverse birdlife near the Kunene River.