Gold mining began in the country in 1933, but was later abandoned because of low grades.

[3][2] The Navachab gold deposit was discovered in October 1984 as a result of an exploration programme conducted.

An appraisal was carried out in 1986, followed by a feasibility study in 1987, which determined to proceed with the development of the mine.

Production started at Navachab in 1989, pouring its first gold bar in December 1989.

[4] It was later claimed by some former contract employees that they had been promised permanent jobs with AngloGold after the switch but had not received them.