N'Chwaning I Mine

N'Chwaning Mines, Joe Morolong Local Municipality, John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, Northern Cape, South Africa

Key Information

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N'Chwaning I Mine is in the Northern Cape, South Africa, near Kuruman, known for its "Eye of Kuruman" spring.
It produced manganese ore and is famous for rhodochrosite, with other minerals like manganite and ettringite.
The mine, part of the Kalahari Manganese Fields, has sedimentary and hydrothermal origins, now closed since 1972.
The area has a rich missionary history, with cultural sites like Moffat Mission Station and Wonderwerk Cave.
The climate is semi-arid, with hot summers and cold winters, featuring dry, thorny vegetation.

Geographic Location

N'Chwaning I Mine is located in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa, within the Joe Morolong Local Municipality of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality. It is near Kuruman, a town famous for its "Eye of Kuruman" (Kuruman), a natural spring that provides abundant water in an otherwise arid region, creating a green oasis in the desert.

Minerals Produced

The mine primarily produced manganese ore and is renowned among mineral enthusiasts for its high-quality specimens, especially rhodochrosite, a manganese carbonate mineral prized for its pink to red color and unique crystalline forms. Other notable minerals include manganite, ettringite, inesite, jouravskite, and braunite, making it a treasure trove for collectors.

Geological Structure

N'Chwaning I Mine is part of the Kalahari Manganese Fields, situated in the Hotazel Formation of the Proterozoic Transvaal Supergroup. The manganese ore is predominantly sedimentary in origin, with some hydrothermal alteration, categorized into Mamatwan-type (low-grade, carbonate-rich) and Wessels-type (high-grade, oxide-rich) ores, offering a fascinating geological study.

Mining History

Established in 1972 and now closed, N'Chwaning I Mine was owned by Associated Manganese Mines of South Africa, Ltd. It gained fame for producing exceptional rhodochrosite specimens, particularly from its north-western areas, leaving a lasting legacy in the mineral collecting community.

Local Culture and Characteristics

The region has a rich history as a 19th-century missionary center, with figures like Robert Moffat and David Livingstone. Cultural attractions include the Moffat Mission Station (Kuruman Attractions), Wonderwerk Cave, and The Eye of Kuruman, reflecting a blend of historical and natural heritage.

Climate and Ecology

The climate is semi-arid, with hot summers and cold winters, and limited rainfall. The ecology features dry, thorny vegetation adapted to the arid conditions, with unique natural features like the Kalahari's wildlife adding to the region's ecological diversity.