|
The Neusberg to Goodhouse section of the Orange River is relatively rugged and
desolate. It is effectively a desert area with some very impressive and unusual
geological features. Unlike the Richtersveld further downstream, this stretch of the
river has few mountainous areas despite the fact that the underlying geological conditions
are similar - ie meta-sediments and meta-volcanics. The Augrabies
Falls which cut through an area of massive granite are very impressive and popular
with the numerous tourists who visit the area.
Most of the available land along the Orange River is cultivated and irrigated to
produce a narrow band of green vegetation across an otherwise brown and barren area.
Some other crops are also grown such as dates and olives
which thrive under the very hot and dry conditions experienced in the area.
Click on image for full size photo
Although there are no main industries along the Orange River apart from agriculture,
the area is famous for the number and variety of mines which have been developed.
Many of the larger pegmatites in the area are mined commercially to produce, feldspar,
mica, beryl, tin, lithium, culumbite/tantalite as well as various rare earth minerals in
small quantities. In addition several large mining concerns have been developed
which rely on the Orange River for their water including the heavy metal mines in the Okiep and Aggeneys areas.
For further information on the points of key interest between Neusberg and Goodhouse,
please use the navigation buttons to the left.
|