Plizio Visual Lab

Karma Gold Mine

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The Karma Gold Mine is located in the Yatenga Province of northern Burkina Faso, near the city of Ouahigouya. Commercial production began in 2016, with the project developed initially by Riverstone Resources and Teranga Gold before its acquisition by Endeavour Mining. Karma is unique among Burkinabe mines for its use of heap leach technology, which is particularly cost-effective for processing oxide ores. The operation comprises several shallow open pits distributed across a large permitted area. Situated in a semi-arid region, the mine employs innovative water management strategies to maintain operations while respecting local environmental constraints. Karma has become a vital economic pillar for the northern region, providing stable employment and supporting regional infrastructure. The company emphasizes strong community engagement and has implemented various social programs aimed at agricultural development and education, ensuring that the benefits of mining are shared with the residents of the historically significant Yatenga Province.

Location: Burkina Faso
Nearby: Ouahigouya (23 km)

Best time to visit & climate

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	23	26	30	33	35	33	29	27	27	29	27	24
Rain mm	0	0	1	7	23	77	154	215	107	23	0	0

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Karma Gold Mine is a major gold mining project in northern Burkina Faso. It exemplifies the spread of industrial mining beyond the traditional southern mining regions.

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Visiting

The mine is a restricted area with security measures and not open to the public. From the surrounding hills, however, the open-pit areas and waste dumps can be seen.

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Where to view it

A good viewpoint is the road running east of the mine site, offering an elevated view. From here you can see the entire operating area, especially in the morning with clear air.

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Local products

Direct gold products are not sold locally, but in nearby villages handcrafted jewelry from old gold is occasionally offered. Agricultural products like millet and peanuts are also present at markets.

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Active season

Mining operations run year-round, with peak production during the dry season from October to May. During the rainy season, flooding can hinder the work.

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Nearby

The mine is in a remote region, which can be combined with a visit to the nearby town of Ouahigouya. Also, the Ruins of Loropéni, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are a day trip away.