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Tsumeb Copper Smelter

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Industrial site
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Tsumeb Copper Smelter (Namibia)

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The Tsumeb Copper Smelter, operated by Dundee Precious Metals, is one of the few specialized facilities in the world designed to treat complex copper concentrates with a high arsenic content. Originally constructed in 1963 in the historic mining town of Tsumeb, the smelter is a critical component of Namibia's industrial infrastructure. Since its acquisition by the Canadian firm Dundee Precious Metals in 2010, the facility has undergone extensive modernization, including significant investments in acid plant technology and emission control systems. The smelter processes concentrates sourced globally, producing blister copper and sulfuric acid as a valuable by-product for Namibia's uranium mining sector. Despite environmental complexities, the operation is the primary economic engine of the Oshikoto Region, providing hundreds of specialized jobs. With an annual throughput capacity of approximately 200,000 tons of concentrate, the Tsumeb smelter remains a vital player in the global metallurgical supply chain.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262625242118172125282827
Rain mm124109782720002165781

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Tsumeb Copper Smelter in Namibia is a highly specialized smelting facility processing complex copper concentrates from domestic and international sources. It plays a central role in Namibia's mining and metal industry.
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Visiting
The smelter is an active industrial site and therefore usually not open to the public. Occasionally, plant tours for groups are offered by prior arrangement.
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Where to view it
Good viewpoints of the smelter are along the main road near Tsumeb, from where the chimneys and installations can be seen. The nearby mining park also gives a good overview.
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Local products
The smelter's main product is processed copper, usually in the form of anodes or cathodes. Other metals like lead and zinc are also mined in the Tsumeb region and may be available as souvenirs in local shops.
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Active season
The smelter typically operates continuously throughout the year, with maintenance shutdowns at certain periods. Activity is steady, as global demand for copper remains high.
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Nearby
A visit to Tsumeb can be combined with exploring the Tsumeb Museum, which showcases the region's mining history. The nearby Etosha National Park is also an excellent destination for wildlife viewing.

Geography

Coordinates
-19.23330, 17.70000

Facts

  • The smelter was originally commissioned in 1963.
  • Capable of smelting high-arsenic complex concentrates.
  • Acquired by Dundee Precious Metals in 2010.
  • Annual throughput capacity of 200,000 tons.
  • Produces sulfuric acid for the uranium industry.
  • Major economic pillar of the town of Tsumeb.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

TsumebTsumeb2 km · NExplore →
Otjikoto LakeOtjikoto Lake23 km · SExplore →
Tschudi Copper MineTschudi Copper Mine30 km · SExplore →
Otavi MountainsOtavi Mountains36 km · SWExplore →
Guinas LakeGuinas Lake45 km · SExplore →
Hoba MeteoriteHoba Meteorite46 km · NWExplore →
Otjikoto Gold MineOtjikoto Gold Mine51 km · SExplore →
Grootfontein Old FortGrootfontein Old Fort57 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Tsumeb Copper Smelter (2)

Cultural Village📍 landmark

The Cultural Village in Tsumeb acts as an open-air museum, demonstrating the traditional dwellings and crafts of Namibia's diverse ethnic groups.

Tsumeb Castel🏰 castle

Tsumeb Castel is an imposing stone fortification blending historical architecture with the mining-driven development of the Tsumeb region.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Tsumeb copper smelter?
A large smelter that processes ore into high-quality metal concentrates.
Why is Tsumeb known?
The city is historically and economically closely linked to mining and metal processing.
Is the smelter open to tourists?
No, it is an industrial site with no visitor opportunities.
What can one see nearby?
Visit the Tsumeb Museum, which tells a lot about mining history.
Is the region worth visiting?
Yes, it is a great starting point for the Etosha National Park.
Tsumeb Copper Smelter: where is it located?
Tsumeb Copper Smelter is located in Namibia.
Tsumeb Copper Smelter: what is there to see?
Highlights include Cultural Village, Tsumeb Castel.
Tsumeb Copper Smelter: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.
Tsumeb Copper Smelter: why is it worth visiting?
The Tsumeb Copper Smelter, operated by Dundee Precious Metals, is one of the few specialized facilities in the world designed to treat complex copper concentrates with a high arsenic content.
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Nearby cities

Tsumeb — Tsumeb Copper Smelter (Namibia)
Tsumeb
Known as Namibia's most important historic mining town, famous for its rare minerals.
Outapi — Tsumeb Copper Smelter (Namibia)
Outapi
The vibrant capital of the Omusati Region, deeply connected to the northern agricultural plains.
Okahao — Tsumeb Copper Smelter (Namibia)
Okahao
A proud settlement known as the heart of the Ongandjera kingdom and the birthplace of Namibia's founding president.
Ruacana — Tsumeb Copper Smelter (Namibia)
Ruacana
A settlement situated near a major hydroelectric plant and majestic waterfalls on the Kunene River.
Oshikuku — Tsumeb Copper Smelter (Namibia)
Oshikuku
A rapidly developing northern town, distinguished by its prominent Catholic hospital and educational facilities.
Tsandi — Tsumeb Copper Smelter (Namibia)
Tsandi
A deeply traditional village that houses the grand royal homestead of the Uukwaluudhi King.
Epupa Falls — Tsumeb Copper Smelter (Namibia)
Epupa Falls
A paradise on the border with Angola, where the Kunene River plunges through a series of waterfalls surrounded by lush vegetation.

Nature

Otjikoto Lake — Tsumeb Copper Smelter (Namibia)
Otjikoto Lake
A small, deep karst lake.
Guinas Lake — Tsumeb Copper Smelter (Namibia)
Guinas Lake
Another well-known karst lake.
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Etosha Pan
A vast salt pan in Etosha National Park.

More places

Tsumeb Farm Region — Tsumeb Copper Smelter (Namibia)
Tsumeb Farm Region
Fertile region for livestock farming and agriculture.
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Tschudi Copper Mine
A copper mine near Tsumeb producing pure copper cathodes.
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Otjiwarongo Cattle Region
Center for cattle farming and agricultural research.
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Outjo Farming Area
Important region for livestock trade and farming.
Ombalantu Baobab Tree — Tsumeb Copper Smelter (Namibia)
Ombalantu Baobab Tree
An ancient baobab tree with a hollow trunk that was used in the past as a post office, a chapel, and a refuge during wars.