Plizio Visual Lab

Bissa Gold Mine

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The Bissa Gold Mine is a major mining project located in the Bam Province of Burkina Faso, approximately 85 kilometers north of the capital, Ouagadougou. Officially inaugurated in 2013, the mine is operated by Bissa Gold SA, a subsidiary of the international Nordgold Group. Designed as a modern open-pit operation, Bissa features a highly efficient processing plant that extracts gold using the carbon-in-leach (CIL) method. Since its commencement, Bissa has become one of the highest-performing mines in the country, contributing significantly to national export revenues. Its strategic location near the capital provides logistical advantages for supply chains and workforce management. Nordgold has further optimized the site by integrating the nearby Bouly deposit, sharing infrastructure to increase overall output. The mine is deeply involved in local community development, funding the construction of schools, water wells, and health centers, thus playing a vital role in the socio-economic advancement of the North-Central region.

Location: Burkina Faso
Nearby: Kongoussi (18 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	23	26	30	33	33	30	28	27	27	28	26	23
Rain mm	1	1	2	16	47	110	183	250	135	37	0	0

📋 Practical info

🏭

What is this place?

The Bissa Gold Mine is one of the largest industrial gold mines in Burkina Faso, strongly driving national gold production. It creates numerous jobs in the Centre-Nord region and is a significant economic factor for the country.

🚪

Visiting

The mine itself is not open to the public, as it is an industrial facility with security restrictions. From the surrounding heights or the access road, the facilities and open-pit mine can be seen from a distance.

👀

Where to view it

A good viewpoint is the hill east of the mine site, from which the entire open pit is visible. Along National Road N3, which runs close to the mine, there are also views of the industrial facility.

🧺

Local products

The main product is extracted gold, cast into bars and exported. In the region, however, local goldsmith works and jewelry are also available on markets, made by artisanal methods.

📆

Active season

The mine operates year-round in shifts, so activity is constant. The highest production is achieved during the dry season (November to April), as weather conditions are optimal for mining.

➕

Nearby

A visit to the mine can be combined with a safari in the nearby Arly National Park or a trip to the Banfora waterfalls. The traditional villages of the region also offer cultural insights.

Geography

Coordinates

13.16780, -1.48810

Facts

Bissa was officially opened in January 2013 after 15 months of construction.
The mine is located in Bam Province, 85 km north of Ouagadougou.
It is 90% owned by Nordgold, with the remaining 10% held by the state.
The processing plant has a capacity of approximately 4 million tonnes per annum.
Bissa is one of the lowest-cost gold producing mines in the Nordgold portfolio.
The adjacent Bouly project was launched in 2016 to augment Bissa's production.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Kongoussi18 km · EExplore →

Corn Cultivation Area28 km · NWExplore →

Kaya46 km · NExplore →

Manéga Museum46 km · NWExplore →

Sorghum Cultivation Area49 km · NEExplore →

Boussouma Royal Palace55 km · NWExplore →

Boussouma Hills56 km · NWExplore →

Dapélogo59 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Bissa Gold Mine (1)

Bissa mine📍 landmark

Bissa mine is a gold mine located in Burkina Faso.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Bissa mine located?

About 85 km north of Ouagadougou.

Who is the operator?

The mine is operated by Nordgold.

How is the access for tourists?

There is no public access for tourists.

Are there negative environmental impacts?

Mining always brings environmental challenges.

When should the region be avoided?

During heavy rains, roads can be impassable.

Bissa Gold Mine: where is it located?

Bissa Gold Mine is located in Burkina Faso.

Bissa Gold Mine: when is the best time to visit?