Dimension Stone

Dimension stone is an important building material used worldwide, and therefore a valuable natural resource. Namibia has numerous deposits of good quality dimension stone displaying a variety of attractive colors, patterns and textures. The main rock types quarried are marble, granite, dolerite, conglomerate, and sodalite. The Ministry of Mines and Energy has compiled a brochure on potential dimension stone occurrences throughout the country (dimenstone brochure). This document is updated on a regular basis.


Marble Blocks


Granite Slab being cut
The Namibian dimension stone industry is dominated by international companies like R.E.D Graniti Ltd, Marline Granite Ltd, Eastern Granite and Stone Africa. Locally owned quarry companies include Marmorwerke Karibib, Savanna Marble, Okatji Marble and several small-scale slasto and slate quarries.


2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
Dolomite (t)
9,812
7,708
12,602
12,602
18,485
Granite (t)
5,514
3,965
4,572
4,572
41,456
Marble (t)
8,218
4,862
880
880
10,830
Sodalite (t)
209
46
1,691
1,691
492
Namibia has three dimension stone cutting and polishing plants. The two smaller plants namely Marmorwerke in Karibib and Makakata in Omaruru provide polished marble and granite products for the local market. The third and largest plant – Namibian Stone Processing (N.S.P) - has recently been completed in Omaruru. N.S.P is a fully automated and computerised tile cutting and polishing plant, which will provide high-quality polished products for both the local and international market. Namibia’s largest cutting and polishing factory was completed in mid-2005, and has started processing marble and granite blocks.
Dimension Stone use in Namibia

Bank of Namibia
Lutheran Christus Church Metropolitan Namibia Building

Frans Indongo Gardens

Frans Indongo Gardens
Examples of Marble Quarries
 
Examples of Granite Quarries