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Gakara Rare Earth Mines

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Gakara Rare Earth Mines (Burundi)

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The Gakara Rare Earth Mines, located near Bujumbura, are renowned for having one of the world's highest-grade rare earth deposits. The site is characterized by extremely high concentrations of bastnaesite and monazite, with a total rare earth oxide (TREO) grade of up to 68%. Developed by Rainbow Rare Earths, the project is one of the very few producing rare earth mines located outside of China. Mining operations use open-pit methods and focus on critical elements such as neodymium and praseodymium, which are indispensable for the production of permanent magnets used in electric vehicles and wind turbines. Despite temporary suspensions of operations due to negotiations with the government regarding mining conventions, Gakara remains strategically significant for the global green technology market. The geological structure of the veins allows for relatively simple on-site processing of the ore. Burundi aims to strengthen its position in the global mining sector through this mine and reduce its historical dependence on agricultural exports. The mine contributes significantly to the country's export revenue and fosters technical training for the local workforce.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212222212120202122222121
Rain mm2021682192139429154294172341219

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Gakara Rare Earth Mines in Burundi are significant rare‑earth mines essential for modern technologies like electronics and renewable energy. They contribute to diversifying Burundi's economy.
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Visiting
The mine site is an active extraction area and not open to the public. From the surrounding hills one can spot the buildings and access roads.
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Where to view it
A good viewpoint is the hill range south of Gakara, offering an overview of the mine site. The red soil of the spoil heaps is visible from afar.
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Local products
In the region, rare‑earth concentrates are produced for global export. Local markets also offer traditional handicrafts such as wood carvings.
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Active season
Extraction occurs year‑round, with production driven by global market demand. Shortages or rising prices can lead to increased activity.
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Nearby
Nearby is Lake Tanganyika, suitable for a boat ride or beach visit. The city of Bujumbura with its markets is also not far.

Geography

Coordinates
-3.45500, 29.45500

Facts

  • One of the world's highest TREO grades of up to 68%
  • Operated by the British company Rainbow Rare Earths
  • Extraction of critical metals like neodymium and praseodymium
  • Located approximately 20 km south of the capital Bujumbura
  • First commercial production started in 2017
  • Consists of a network of over 20 known veins

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lake TanganyikaLake Tanganyika7 km · NWExplore →
Royal Residences of NkikoRoyal Residences of Nkiko7 km · NExplore →
Monge Forest ReserveMonge Forest Reserve7 km · NEExplore →
Mount KaronjeMount Karonje7 km · SWExplore →
Kinindo Industrial ZoneKinindo Industrial Zone10 km · SExplore →
Mount MukikeMount Mukike10 km · NWExplore →
Campus MutangaCampus Mutanga11 km · SEExplore →
National Unity MonumentNational Unity Monument11 km · SEExplore →

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

What is mined in Gakara?
Rare earth elements are found here, which are important for high-tech products.
Why is the mine internationally known?
It is one of the few active rare earth mines in Africa.
Where is Gakara?
Near Bujumbura, in the Bujumbura Rural province.
Can you take photos of the mine?
Photography is prohibited without express permission.
Who operates the mine?
The mine is often operated by international consortia with state participation.
Gakara Rare Earth Mines: where is it located?
Gakara Rare Earth Mines is located in Burundi.
Gakara Rare Earth Mines: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Gakara Rare Earth Mines: why is it worth visiting?
The Gakara Rare Earth Mines, located near Bujumbura, are renowned for having one of the world's highest-grade rare earth deposits.
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Nearby cities

Gatumba — Gakara Rare Earth Mines (Burundi)
Gatumba
Gatumba sits near the Ruzizi plain outside Bujumbura.
Isale — Gakara Rare Earth Mines (Burundi)
Isale
A town in Bujumbura Rural Province, located in the fertile mountains above the capital.
Saga Beach — Gakara Rare Earth Mines (Burundi)
Saga Beach
Saga Beach is the most popular sandy beach on Lake Tanganyika near Bujumbura, offering a vibrant spot for relaxation and dining.
Rusizi National Park — Gakara Rare Earth Mines (Burundi)
Rusizi National Park
A diverse national park near Bujumbura, famous for its hippos, crocodiles, and abundant bird species along the Rusizi River.
Bugarama — Gakara Rare Earth Mines (Burundi)
Bugarama
Bugarama is a small Burundian town with a regional rural function.
Mugamba — Gakara Rare Earth Mines (Burundi)
Mugamba
A town in the northern part of Bururi Province, in a cool mountainous region.
Muramvya — Gakara Rare Earth Mines (Burundi)
Muramvya
A central Burundi town with historical weight and a strong rural setting.
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Bukeye
Bukeye is a northern Burundi town with a hillside and farming context.
Gisozi — Gakara Rare Earth Mines (Burundi)
Gisozi
A town in Mwaro Province, known for its scenic beauty in the highlands.
Bisoro — Gakara Rare Earth Mines (Burundi)
Bisoro
A town in Mwaro Province, known for its rural trade and markets.

History & landmarks

Campus Mutanga — Gakara Rare Earth Mines (Burundi)
Campus Mutanga
The main campus of the University of Burundi, a center for education and culture in Bujumbura.
National Unity Monument — Gakara Rare Earth Mines (Burundi)
National Unity Monument
The Unity Monument in Bujumbura is a public symbol of national cohesion.
Melchior Ndadaye International Airport — Gakara Rare Earth Mines (Burundi)
Melchior Ndadaye International Airport
Melchior Ndadaye International Airport is Burundi's main air gateway.
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Concord Bridge
The Friendship Bridge over the Ruzizi is a cross-border link in the Bujumbura area.

Nature

Lake Tanganyika — Gakara Rare Earth Mines (Burundi)
Lake Tanganyika
Lake Tanganyika forms Burundi's western edge and shapes much of the country's shoreline life.
Ruzizi River — Gakara Rare Earth Mines (Burundi)
Ruzizi River
The Ruzizi River links the lake country north of Burundi with Lake Tanganyika.
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Mpanda River
A tributary of the Ruzizi, flowing through fertile valleys.

More places

Royal Residences of Nkiko — Gakara Rare Earth Mines (Burundi)
Royal Residences of Nkiko
Former royal estates in the Mugamba region, known for their traditional Burundian architecture.
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Monge Forest Reserve
Monge Forest is a local forest landscape in Burundi's interior.
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Mount Karonje
Karonje is a local relief feature in Burundi's interior countryside.
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Mount Mukike
Mount Mukike rises in Burundi's highland terrain and is part of the country's upland relief.
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Mount Manga
A sacred mountain for traditional Burundian culture.
Livingstone-Stanley Monument — Gakara Rare Earth Mines (Burundi)
Livingstone-Stanley Monument
This monument marks the famous 19th-century meeting associated with David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley.
Mount Heha — Gakara Rare Earth Mines (Burundi)
Mount Heha
Mount Heha is Burundi's highest peak and a defining point in the country's uplands.
Mumirwa Coffee Slopes — Gakara Rare Earth Mines (Burundi)
Mumirwa Coffee Slopes
On the slopes of the Mumirwa mountains, coffee is grown in small family-owned plots.