Plizio Visual Lab

Tschudi Copper Mine

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The Tschudi Copper Mine is situated in northern Namibia, approximately 20 kilometers west of the historic mining town of Tsumeb. The open-pit operation is managed by Weatherly International and focuses on the production of refined copper cathodes. A unique feature of the mine is the application of heap leaching technology combined with solvent extraction and electrowinning (SX-EW). This process allows for the production of high-purity copper on-site without the need for a traditional smelting process. The mine commenced operations in 2015 and was designed for an annual production capacity of around 17,000 tons of copper. Despite technical challenges related to groundwater ingress, Tschudi remains a vital asset in Namibia's copper sector. The copper ores are hosted within the sedimentary sequences of the Otavi Group, known for its base metal richness.

Location: Namibia
Nearby: Tsumeb (32 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	26	25	24	21	18	17	21	25	28	28	27
Rain mm	124	109	78	27	2	0	0	0	2	16	57	81

📋 Practical info

🏭

What is this place?

The Tschudi Copper Mine is a key industrial facility in Namibia, producing high-purity copper cathodes through modern solvent extraction and electrowinning. It contributes significantly to the local economy and employment in the Tsumeb region.

🚪

Visiting

The mine is a restricted industrial site, not open to the public for tours. However, the perimeter fence and nearby public roads allow views of the processing plant and tailings.

👀

Where to view it

The best public viewpoint is from the B1 highway north of Tsumeb, where the mine's infrastructure is visible across the flat terrain. Some areas near the Tsumeb Museum also offer distant views.

🧺

Local products

The primary product is copper cathode, which is transported for smelting and export. Visitors may see trucks carrying copper concentrate along the main roads.

📆

Active season

The mine operates year-round with continuous shifts, but maintenance shutdowns typically occur in the drier winter months (May to August). The site is most active during regular workdays.

➕

Nearby

Combine with a visit to the Tsumeb Museum to learn about mining history, or explore the nearby Tsumeb Golf Course and Otjikoto Lake. The area also provides access to Etosha National Park.