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Langer Heinrich Mine
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The Langer Heinrich mine is a significant uranium mine located in the Namib Desert, approximately 80 kilometres east of Swakopmund. Operations commenced in 2007, but the mine was placed on care and maintenance in 2018 due to persistently low uranium prices. In 2022, operator Paladin Energy announced plans to restart operations, driven by an improved uranium market. The mine is known for its open-pit mining and leaching processes to extract uranium from calcrete ores, a near-surface type of uranium mineralisation. The restart of the mine is expected to bring considerable economic benefits to Namibia, including job creation and increased export revenues. The project places a strong emphasis on water management, a critical challenge in the arid environment.
- Location: Namibia
- Nearby: Arandis (58 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 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 24 | 21 | 18 | 17 | 18 | 22 | 24 | 25 | 25 |
| Rain mm | 24 | 39 | 25 | 24 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 7 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Langer Heinrich Mine is a major uranium mining site on the edge of the Namib Desert in Namibia. It plays a central role in the country's mining sector, extracting strategic raw materials for global energy production.
Visiting
The mine is usually not open to the public, but it can be viewed from a safe distance at designated viewpoints. Visits require prior permission and are typically only possible on specialized guided tours.
Where to view it
A good view of the mine can be had from the nearby main road, especially in the morning hours. The vast open-pit operations are also visible from the surrounding hills.
Local products
The region primarily mines uranium ore, used for nuclear power generation. Visitors can buy minerals and rock samples in nearby towns.
Active season
Mining operations typically run year-round, with production adjusted to market demand. Peak activity occurs during the dry season when weather conditions are optimal.
Nearby
A visit to the mine can be combined with a tour of the Namib Desert, such as Sossusvlei or Spitzkoppe. The coastal town of Swakopmund also serves as a great starting point for excursions.
Geography
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Langer Heinrich Mine (1)
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Frequently asked questions
What is mined at Langer Heinrich?
The mine is specialized in the extraction of uranium.
Where is the mine located?
It is located in the Namib-Naukluft Park in the central Namib Desert.
Can it be visited?
No, the site is a restricted industrial area.
Is it always active?
Operations fluctuate based on world market prices.
What is nearby?
The desert landscape around the Swakop River.
Langer Heinrich Mine: where is it located?
Langer Heinrich Mine is located in Namibia.
Langer Heinrich Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
Langer Heinrich Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Langer Heinrich mine is a significant uranium mine located in the Namib Desert, approximately 80 kilometres east of Swakopmund.
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