Okorusu Mine

Okorusu Mine is situated in the Otjiwarongo Constituency, Otjozondjupa Region, Namibia, approximately 62 km north of Otjiwarongo town on Marburg Farm 1. Namibia, in southern Africa, places the mine in a central-north position, accessible via the B1 road linking Windhoek and Etosha National Park. Nearby, the Cheetah Conservation Fund and Waterberg National Park offer additional attractions for wildlife enthusiasts.

The mine is renowned for its fluorite, prized for sea green and purple crystals with sharp zoning and phantoms, making it a favorite among collectors. It also holds deposits of rare earth elements, currently under consideration for processing, adding an unexpected economic dimension to its operations.

Okorusu Mine is part of an alkaline igneous-carbonatite ring dike complex, where fluorite has replaced pegmatitic carbonatite through hydrothermal processes. This geological setting has led to the formation of some of the world's finest fluorite specimens, offering a fascinating insight into mineral formation.

Mining began around 1920, with operations managed by Iscor from the late 1940s to early 1970s, reopened in 1988 by Okorusu Fluorspar (Pty) Ltd., and sold to Solvay SA in 1997. It operated as an open pit until closing in 2014, known for both industrial fluorspar and specimen mining, with contracts for collectors adding a unique historical note.

Otjiwarongo, near the mine, features a blend of German and indigenous cultures, including Herero and Damara communities. The town is known for its markets, the Museum of Namibian Fashion, and the Cheetah Conservation Fund, reflecting a rich cultural tapestry that supports local artisans and conservation efforts.

The region has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and mild winters, receiving scarce rainfall mainly in summer. The ecology includes acacia trees, grasses, and wildlife like cheetahs, antelopes, and birds, adapted to dry conditions, which may influence mining operations and local biodiversity.