Kombat Mine | Tsumeb

The Kombat Mine is a base-metal mining complex and associated settlement located in the Otavi Valley of northern Namibia. It is situated approximately 37km east of Otavi and 45km west of Grootfontein within the Otjozondjupa Region.

Visual Characteristics

The site is dominated by heavy industrial infrastructure, including a prominent 800-meter vertical exploration shaft (Asis West) and several steel headframes. The landscape features large open-pit excavations, specifically the Kombat East and Central pits, characterized by terraced rock faces and exposed dolostone. Surrounding the mining works is a structured settlement of low-rise brick housing, administrative buildings, and a refurbished processing plant painted in industrial gray and tan.

Location & Access Logistics

The mine is positioned directly along the B8 regional paved road, which connects Otavi and Grootfontein. Access is provided via a dedicated tarmac entrance road. Public transport is available through InterCape bus services from Windhoek to Otavi, followed by a local taxi transfer for the final 37km. A TransNamib railway line also traverses the southern boundary of the project area, although it is primarily used for freight.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Copper was first discovered at the site in 1850, with formal operations commencing around 1900. The mine was historically operated by Tsumeb Corporation Limited (TCL) from 1962 until 2008, after which it faced multiple closures due to flooding. Geologically, the deposit is a carbonate-hosted base metal sulphide system, with ore found at the contact between the Hüttenberg Formation dolostone and the Kombat Formation phyllite.

Key Highlights & Activities

The site is an active industrial zone where conventional open-pit and underground mining operations are visible. Activities include the extraction of copper, lead, and silver ore using excavators and haul trucks. While the mine is not a traditional tourist attraction, guided technical visits or educational tours of the processing plant and historical mine voids are occasionally permitted by the operating company, Trigon Metals.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The settlement includes a primary school, a medical clinic, and the Kombat Lodge, which provides accommodation and dining. National grid power (NamPower) and local water sourced from the No. 1 Shaft supply the complex. Cellular signal (4G) is reliable throughout the town and mine site. Basic supplies are available at local kiosks, while comprehensive retail services are located in nearby Otavi.

Best Time to Visit

The dry winter months from May to September are optimal for visiting the region, as road conditions are stable and temperatures are moderate. Mid-morning is the best time for photography of the open pits to avoid the harsh shadows created by the deep excavations. Visitors should note that the mine is currently undergoing a phased restart, with underground operations expanding through 2026.

Facts & Legends

Kombat is home to the "sleeping giant," a local legend referring to a massive underground lake that flooded the mine in 2007. It is reputedly one of the largest subterranean water bodies in the world, requiring continuous dewatering to keep the shafts operational. The mine is also a notable locality for rare minerals, including nambulite and glaucochroite.

Nearby Landmarks

Ghaub Caves – 15.2km Northwest

Hoba Meteorite – 32.5km Southeast

Lake Otjikoto – 58.0km Northwest

Kupferquelle Resort – 62.1km Northwest