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Essakane Gold Mine

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Industrial site
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Essakane Gold Mine (Burkina Faso)

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The Essakane Gold Mine is the largest gold mine in Burkina Faso, located in the northeastern border region, approximately 330 kilometers from Ouagadougou. It spans the provinces of Oudalan and Séno and is majority-owned and operated by the Canadian company IAMGOLD. The mine commenced commercial operations in 2010 and has since significantly increased national gold production. It is an open-pit mine featuring modern processing facilities for gold extraction through cyanide leaching. Geographically, the mine is situated in an extremely arid Sahelian zone, which presents complex challenges for water management. Essakane is a major employer in the region and contributes substantially to the country's export revenues. The project also encompasses extensive social responsibility programs, including the resettlement of villages and investments in local infrastructure. The gold reserves at Essakane are considered among the most significant in the West African Birimian Greenstone Belt.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C222630343533302828292724
Rain mm11041266124190721500

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Essakane Gold Mine in northern Burkina Faso is one of the country's best-known mining sites and a major employer. It extracts gold on an industrial scale and contributes significantly to the economy.
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Visiting
The mine is an active industrial site with safety regulations, so visits are rarely possible. From surrounding villages, the waste dumps and facilities are visible.
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Where to view it
A good viewpoint is the hill south of the mine, from where the entire open-pit is visible. The road between Gorom-Gorom and Dori also provides views of the mining area.
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Local products
Gold is the main product, but local markets in the region sell traditional crafts and agricultural produce. Gorom-Gorom has a well-known livestock market.
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Active season
The mine operates year-round, with increased activity during the dry season (November to April) when working conditions are better. During the rainy season, production delays may occur.
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Nearby
Combine a visit with the town of Gorom-Gorom, known for its market and culture. Arly National Park and the dunes of Oursi are also worthwhile destinations.

Geography

Coordinates
14.38310, -0.06330

Facts

  • Largest gold mine in the country, operated by IAMGOLD.
  • Commercial production started in the year 2010.
  • Located about 330 km northeast of the capital Ouagadougou.
  • Extracts gold via open-pit mining from the Birimian belt.
  • Installed a large solar farm to support power needs.
  • Significant contributor to Burkina Faso's GDP.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tin-Akoff ReserveTin-Akoff Reserve15 km · NEExplore →
Koutougou RuinsKoutougou Ruins16 km · SEExplore →
Gorom-GoromGorom-Gorom20 km · SExplore →
Gorom HillsGorom Hills26 km · SExplore →
Markoye Old Slave MarketMarkoye Old Slave Market30 km · EExplore →
Gorom-Gorom DunesGorom-Gorom Dunes33 km · NExplore →
Dori Old MosqueDori Old Mosque39 km · WExplore →
Dori LakeDori Lake43 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the mine?
Access is strictly controlled and mostly permitted only for staff.
What is mined there?
It is one of the largest gold mines in Burkina Faso.
Where is the mine located?
In the northeast of the country, in the Oudalan province.
Who operates the mine?
The mine is operated by IAMGOLD.
Are there security risks?
The northern region requires increased security precautions.
Essakane Gold Mine: where is it located?
Essakane Gold Mine is located in Burkina Faso.
Essakane Gold Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Essakane Gold Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Essakane Gold Mine is the largest gold mine in Burkina Faso, located in the northeastern border region, approximately 330 kilometers from Ouagadougou.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Gorom-Gorom — Essakane Gold Mine (Burkina Faso)
Gorom-Gorom
Known for its colorful and ethnically diverse market in the Sahel region.

History & landmarks

Bani — Essakane Gold Mine (Burkina Faso)
Bani
A unique Sahelian village featuring seven distinct mud-brick mosques built on hilltops in the 1980s.

Nature

Dori Lake — Essakane Gold Mine (Burkina Faso)
Dori Lake
Mare de Dori is a water body in the Sahel town of Dori.
Oursi Lake — Essakane Gold Mine (Burkina Faso)
Oursi Lake
Mare de Oursi is a seasonal lake in the Sahel zone of northern Burkina Faso.

More places

🗺️
Tin-Akoff Reserve
A protected area known for its desert animals and birds.
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Koutougou Ruins
Historical remains of old settlement systems in the north.
Gorom Hills — Essakane Gold Mine (Burkina Faso)
Gorom Hills
Monts Gorom are a small mountain area near Gorom-Gorom in the far north.
Markoye Old Slave Market — Essakane Gold Mine (Burkina Faso)
Markoye Old Slave Market
A dark chapter of history on the old caravan routes.
Gorom-Gorom Dunes — Essakane Gold Mine (Burkina Faso)
Gorom-Gorom Dunes
The Gorom-Gorom relief is a classic Sahel landscape of flat plains, sandy ground, and low features.
Dori Old Mosque — Essakane Gold Mine (Burkina Faso)
Dori Old Mosque
A historical mosque reflecting Islamic influence in the Sahel zone.
🗺️
Tambao Manganese Mine
Tambao Manganese Mine is a notable mineral site in northern Burkina Faso.