Trekkopje Uranium Mine

The Trekkopje uranium project is a large but currently mothballed uranium deposit in the Namib Desert. The project was developed by the French nuclear giant Orano (formerly Areva), but development was halted in 2013 before full production began, mainly due to the crash in uranium prices following the Fukushima disaster and high anticipated operating costs. The mine was designed as a massive open-pit operation with a heap leaching facility, a method suitable for low-grade ores. The project also included the construction of a large desalination plant at Wlotzkasbaken to supply its water needs. Although not currently operational, the mine represents a significant strategic resource for Namibia that could be revived in the future if uranium prices increase significantly.

Nearby cities

Walvis Bay

Namibia's principal deep-water port, renowned for its large natural lagoon and salt pans.

Sandwich Bay

A spectacular location where the massive dunes of the Namib Desert plunge directly into the Atlantic Ocean.

Swakopmund

A premier coastal resort town characterized by its well-preserved German colonial architecture.

Omaruru

A picturesque town at the base of the Erongo Mountains, known for its thriving arts community and winery.

Usakos

A historic settlement that serves as the natural gateway to the dramatic Spitzkoppe granite peaks.

Karibib

A historic railway town famous globally for the exceptionally high-quality marble extracted nearby.

Arandis

A desert town originally established to support the massive Rössing Uranium Mine workforce.

Henties Bay

A popular coastal holiday destination, famous among anglers and off-road enthusiasts.

Uis

A remote mining settlement living in the shadow of the imposing Brandberg Massif.

Okombahe

A culturally rich settlement on the Omaruru River, functioning as the traditional seat of Damara leadership.

Cape Cross

A historic headland on the Atlantic coast, famous for its massive seal colony and the stone cross erected by Portuguese explorers.

History & landmarks

Martin Luther Steam Tractor

A historic steam tractor just outside Swakopmund that got stuck in the sand in 1896 and was jokingly named after a quote by Martin Luther.

Hohenzollern Building

One of the most magnificent Neo-Baroque colonial buildings in Swakopmund, crowned by the figure of Atlas bearing the globe.

Swakopmund Lighthouse

An iconic red and white striped lighthouse in Swakopmund, which played an important role in the colonial history and navigation of the co…

Woermannhaus

A historic half-timbered building in Swakopmund, once the headquarters of the Damara and Namaqua Trading Company, famous for its Damara T…

Pelican Point Lighthouse

A cast-iron lighthouse on a remote sandbank near Walvis Bay, safely navigating ships into the strategically important bay.

Rhenish Mission Church Walvis Bay

A historic wooden building in Walvis Bay that was prefabricated in Hamburg and transported by ship to Namibia.

Nature

More places

Rössing Uranium Mine

One of the longest-operating uranium mines in the world and a major economic driver.

Husab Uranium Mine

One of the largest uranium mines globally, contributing significantly to Namibia's exports.

Spitzkoppe Adventure Rock

A climbing paradise for kids and families.

Spitzkoppe

A group of prominent granite peaks.

Spitzkoppe

A striking group of granite peaks.

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Erongo Desalination Plant

The largest desalination plant in southern Africa, providing water for the mines in the Erongo region.

Salt Company Swakopmund

A large facility for the extraction of sea salt through evaporation on the Atlantic coast.

Altes Amtsgericht

A colonial building in Swakopmund that was originally planned as a school but was then used as a magistrate's court.