Langebaanweg

Langebaanweg is a town on the southwest coast of South Africa, in Western Cape Province.

Langebaanweg
Langebaanweg Show map of Western Cape Langebaanweg Show map of South Africa
Coordinates: 32°58′S 18°9′E
Country	South Africa
Province	Western Cape
District	West Coast
Municipality	Saldanha Bay
Area [1]
• Total	7.09 km^2 (2.74 sq mi)
Population  (2011)[1]
• Total	952
• Density	130/km^2 (350/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011) [1]
• Black African	20.9%
• Coloured	42.8%
• Indian/Asian	0.6%
• White	35.1%
• Other	0.6%
First languages (2011) [1]
• Afrikaans	65.0%
• English	18.3%
• Xhosa	5.8%
• Tswana	2.5%
• Other	8.4%
Time zone	UTC+2 (SAST)
PO box	7375

It is the location of the air force base AFB Langebaanweg.

Langebaanweg has been an important mining center, with its mai minerals consisting of phosphorites, primarily calcium phosphate. The mining uncovered fossils dating from the late Miocene and early Pliocene, approximately 5 million years ago. Fossil species found there include invertebrates and also a type of rhinoceros, as well as a mousebird and a diving petrel. The West Coast Fossil Park includes displays of fossils found in a former phosphate mine.[2] Brett Hendey, formally of the Iziko South African Museum, documented the significance of the Langebaanweg fossil sites.[3]

Langebaanweg is also notable as the birthplace of former England cricketer Allan Lamb, who played 79 Tests for his adopted country as well as in the 1987 and 1992 Cricket World Cup Finals.

References

1. "Main Place Langebaanweg". Census 2011.
2. "West Coast Fossil Park website". Iziko Museums of Cape Town. Retrieved 2009-12-06.
3. Hendey, Q. B. (1982). Langebaanweg: A Record of Past Life. Cape Town: South African Museum. p. 72.CS1 maint: uses authors parameter (link)