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Elizabeth Bay Mine
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The Elizabeth Bay Mine is situated on the windswept Namibian coast, approximately 25 kilometers south of the harbor town of Lüderitz. This historic diamond mine first commenced operations in 1926 following the discovery of high-grade alluvial deposits in the area. Throughout its history, the mine has experienced various cycles of closure and revival, dictated by global diamond prices and improvements in extraction technology. In 1991, Namdeb undertook a major revitalization of the facility, which then operated until 2018 before being placed under care and maintenance. Recently, ownership was transferred to the Lewcor Group, with plans to restart production. The diamonds at Elizabeth Bay are found within aeolian (wind-blown) sediments, where natural sorting processes have concentrated the gemstones over millennia. The mine remains a key historical and economic landmark within the Sperrgebiet region.
- Location: Namibia
- Nearby: Lüderitz (30 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 18 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 18 |
| Rain mm | 3 | 3 | 3 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
Elizabeth Bay Mine is an active diamond mining operation on Namibia's Skeleton Coast, extracting precious gems from coastal deposits. Its role is central to the region's economy and has insight into the lucrative diamond industry and the challenging conditions of offshore mining.
Visiting
The mine is not open to the public due to security and safety regulations, but the outer perimeter and the nearby coast provide glimpses of the mining infrastructure. Visitors can observe the site from a distance along the road to Lüderitz, though access is restricted.
Where to view it
The best public viewpoint is from the gravel road leading toward Lüderitz, where the mine's conveyor systems and processing buildings are visible on the horizon. Additionally, boat tours along the coast sometimes pass the mine's seaward operations, offering a unique perspective.
Local products
While raw diamonds are not sold to tourists, Lüderitz has several jewellery shops selling crafted diamond pieces. Local markets also offer semi-precious stones and mineral specimens from the region.
Active season
Mining activity is continuous throughout the year, but the stormy winter months (May to August) can disrupt operations and limit visibility. The peak tourist season for visiting Lüderitz is from October to April, when weather is milder.
Nearby
Combine a visit with the ghost town of Kolmanskop, a former diamond mining settlement, and the scenic Lüderitz Peninsula with its colonial architecture. The nearby Diaz Point lighthouse and the Skeleton Coast National Park also offer dramatic coastal landscapes.
Geography
Facts
- Original mining operations at the site began in 1926
- Located 25 kilometers south of the town of Lüderitz
- Reopened and modernized by Namdeb in 1991
- Diamond deposits are hosted in aeolian and alluvial sediments
- The facility was sold to the Lewcor Group in 2020
- A significant historical asset within the Sperrgebiet zone
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Elizabeth Bay Mine (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Elizabeth Bay Mine?
Former diamond mine near Lüderitz.
Can the mine be visited?
Partially through guided tours from Lüderitz.
What is special?
The combination of desert and abandoned industrial facilities.
Where is it located?
South of the port town of Lüderitz.
Is it active?
Currently, activities are heavily restricted.
Elizabeth Bay Mine: where is it located?
Elizabeth Bay Mine is located in Namibia.
Elizabeth Bay Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Elizabeth Bay Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Elizabeth Bay Mine is situated on the windswept Namibian coast, approximately 25 kilometers south of the harbor town of Lüderitz.
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History & landmarks
Goerke House
An elegant villa on Diamond Mountain in Lüderitz, built in 1910 for mining inspector Hans Goerke, reflecting the wealth of the diamond boom.
Felsenkirche Lüderitz
An impressive Neo-Gothic Lutheran church perched high on Diamond Mountain in Lüderitz, overlooking the town.
Kapps Hotel Building
One of the oldest surviving buildings in Lüderitz, which once served as an important social gathering place during the first diamond boom.
Diaz Point Lighthouse
A historic lighthouse near Lüderitz, warning sailors of the rugged, windswept coastline, near the spot where Bartolomeu Dias erected a st…
Fish River Canyon
The largest canyon in Africa, offering breathtaking vistas and challenging hiking trails.
Nature
More places
Kolmanskop Ghost Town
An abandoned diamond mining ghost town in the Namib Desert, with houses gradually being swallowed by sand.
Lüderitz Colonial History
A port town with fascinating architecture for kids.
Felsenkirche
A striking neo-Gothic Evangelical Lutheran church perched on a rocky plateau above the town of Lüderitz.
Shark Island
A peninsula near Lüderitz that gained infamy as a German concentration camp during the Herero and Namaqua genocide.
Port of Lüderitz
A major port for the fishing industry and mineral exports in the south.
Diaz Point
A historic site near Lüderitz where the Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias erected a stone cross (padrão) in 1488.
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An abandoned mining settlement in the Sperrgebiet National Park, once the most lucrative diamond mining site in Namibia.
Bogenfels Diamond Mine
A historic and specialized diamond mining area on the spectacular coast of the Namib Desert.