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Navachab Gold Mine
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The Navachab Gold Mine is a significant gold producer in Namibia, located near the town of Karibib in the Erongo Region. It commenced operations in 1989, making it the country's oldest active gold mine. It is an open-pit mine that extracts gold from quartz veins within marble and schist rocks. The mine was originally operated by AngloGold Ashanti but was sold in 2014 to QKR Corporation, a private mining company. Navachab has a consistent production history and is a major employer in the Karibib area. The on-site processing plant uses a conventional carbon-in-leach process to extract the gold from the ore. The mine has successfully extended its life through exploration and development of additional resources in the surrounding area, including smaller satellite pits and the potential for underground mining.
- Location: Namibia
- Nearby: Karibib (11 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 26 | 25 | 22 | 19 | 16 | 16 | 18 | 22 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 57 | 72 | 58 | 35 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 15 | 25 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Navachab Gold Mine is an established gold mine near Karibib, Namibia. It is one of the few active gold mines in the country and plays a significant role in Namibia's mining economy.
Visiting
The mine is an active industrial site and is typically not open to the public. However, from the nearby main road, the winding towers and processing plants are visible.
Where to view it
The best viewpoint is on the main road between Karibib and Usakos, offering a good view of the mine premises. A small hill south of the mine provides an even better perspective.
Local products
Gold is mined here but not sold directly on site. In Karibib, however, there are jewelers and craft shops offering jewelry made from Namibian gold and other local materials.
Active season
The mine operates in shifts year-round, with increased activity during peak production periods. Day shifts between 8 AM and 5 PM are usually the most visible.
Nearby
Combine your visit with a detour to Karibib to see the German colonial architecture. Spitzkoppe and the historic mines of Otjimbingwe are also worthwhile destinations in the region.
Geography
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Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is mined at Navachab?
The mine focuses on gold mining.
Where is the mine located?
It is located near the town of Karibib in the Erongo region.
Can the gold mine be visited?
No, public access is prohibited for safety reasons.
What is Karibib known for?
Known for mining and local marble processing.
Is it economically important for Namibia?
Yes, it is a significant gold producer for the country.
Navachab Gold Mine: where is it located?
Navachab Gold Mine is located in Namibia.
Navachab Gold Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
Navachab Gold Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Navachab Gold Mine is a significant gold producer in Namibia, located near the town of Karibib in the Erongo Region.
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