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Perkoa Zinc Mine

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

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The Perkoa Zinc Mine is the only mine of its kind in Burkina Faso, located in the Sanguié Province, about 120 kilometers west of Ouagadougou. The mine was primarily operated for the production of zinc concentrate, with small amounts of silver also being extracted. For a long time, Perkoa was considered a flagship project for diversifying Burkina Faso's mining sector away from pure gold mining. Geologically, it is a volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposit characterized by a high zinc concentration. In 2022, the mine gained tragic notoriety due to a severe flooding event that led to the deaths of several miners and the suspension of operations. The mine was most recently operated by the Canadian firm Trevali Mining before financial difficulties following the disaster led to its closure. Despite its current inactivity, the geological potential of the deposit remains a topic for future remediation or reopening plans. The facility included an underground mine and a modern flotation plant for ore processing. The mine's influence on the local economy of Kordié and Réo was significant for many years.

Location: Burkina Faso
Nearby: Réo (25 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	24	28	31	33	33	30	27	26	26	27	26	24
Rain mm	1	1	4	35	65	112	201	271	161	48	2	0

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Perkoa Zinc Mine is one of the most significant zinc projects in west-central Burkina Faso. It ranks among the country's most important non-gold mining sites.

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Visiting

The mine is not open to the public. From nearby hills, one can make out the open pit and processing facilities.

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Where to view it

A viewpoint is located on a hill east of the mine site. From there, a panoramic view of the entire excavation area opens up.

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Local products

The main product is zinc concentrate for export. The area also yields small agricultural goods like millet and peanuts.

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Active season

The mine operates year-round with interruptions during the rainy season. Production is typically maximized in the dry season.

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Nearby

A visit to the town of Réo with its traditional markets complements the trip. Waterfalls and rock formations in the region offer additional excursions.