Plizio Visual Lab
Buriticá Gold Mine
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Buriticá gold mine in northwestern Antioquia is a flagship project for Colombia's mining sector and a global benchmark for modern underground mining. Operated by the Chinese Zijin Mining Group since 2020, the mine is renowned for its exceptionally high-grade gold veins, which are among the richest discovered to date. Geologically, the deposit is situated within the prolific Middle Cauca Belt, a region known for its vast mineral wealth. The site features advanced processing facilities designed to extract gold and silver while adhering to rigorous environmental standards. Buriticá has been instrumental in formalizing the local mining industry, providing thousands of legal jobs in an area previously dominated by informal and illegal operations. The facility employs innovative water treatment technologies and waste management systems to minimize its ecological footprint. With an annual output reaching hundreds of thousands of ounces of gold, it significantly bolsters Colombia's standing in international gold production rankings. Furthermore, Zijin Mining has committed substantial resources to social development and infrastructure improvements in the neighboring communities.
- Location: Colombia
- Nearby: Jericó (28 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Rain mm | 184 | 134 | 186 | 276 | 312 | 251 | 283 | 308 | 283 | 273 | 280 | 242 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Buriticá Gold Mine is one of the largest and most modern underground gold mines in Colombia, setting high standards for environmental protection and safety. It contributes significantly to national gold production and creates jobs in the region.
Visiting
The mine is an active mining site and not open to the public. Visitors can see the surface facilities such as the processing plant and mining infrastructure from surrounding hills.
Where to view it
The road from Buriticá to Santa Fe de Antioquia gives views of the mine site on the hillside at several points. A viewpoint near Buriticá village provides a good look at the extraction facilities and pit area.
Local products
In the region, travellers can find artisanal gold jewelry and traditional textiles at local markets. Seasonal agricultural products like coffee and bananas are also available from surrounding farms.
Active season
Mining operates year-round, but activity peaks in the dry season (December to March) when access to the mine is easier. Maintenance work is often done during the rainy season.
Nearby
Combine the mine visit with a trip to the colonial town of Santa Fe de Antioquia, known for its well-preserved architecture and the Juan Pablo II Bridge. The nearby Las Orquídeas National Park invites hiking and birdwatching.
Geography
Facts
- Acquired by Zijin Mining in 2020
- Located in the Buriticá municipality, Antioquia
- Average gold grade of approximately 9 grams per tonne
- Annual production of around 250,000 ounces of gold
- Underground mine with over 100 kilometers of tunnels
- Directly employs more than 3,700 people
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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 in the town Buriticá Gold Mine (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Buriticá gold mine?
One of the world's most significant underground gold mining projects.
Where is it located?
In the west of the Antioquia department, in a mountainous area.
Can you visit the mine?
Due to security and operational regulations, it is not open to the public.
How is extraction done?
Through underground mining using modern technology to minimize environmental damage.
What does it mean for the region?
It brings in tax revenue and promotes local infrastructure.
Buriticá Gold Mine: where is it located?
Buriticá Gold Mine is located in Colombia.
Buriticá Gold Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Buriticá Gold Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Buriticá gold mine in northwestern Antioquia is a flagship project for Colombia's mining sector and a global benchmark for modern underground mining.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in South America
More places in Colombia →
Nearby cities
Medellín
The second largest city, the city of eternal spring.
Bello
Significant industrial center north of Medellín.
Itagüí
One of the most industrialized cities in Antioquia.
Envigado
Municipality bordering Medellín to the south with a high quality of life.
Rionegro
Important city in eastern Antioquia with the international airport.
Apartadó
The commercial heart of the Urabá banana growing region.
Caucasia
Important economic center on the Cauca River in northern Antioquia.
Turbo
Port city on the Gulf of Urabá with access to the Caribbean.
Bahía Solano
Bahía Solano is a stunning Pacific coastal destination known for deep-sea fishing, whale watching, and lush ecological reserves.
Jericó
A spiritual and deeply traditional Antioquian town, home to Colombia's only canonized saint.
Jardín
A picturesque coffee town celebrated for its brightly painted balconies and relaxed plaza culture.
Acandí
Acandí is a coastal town in the Darién Gap region, known for its pristine beaches.
Capurganá
Capurganá is a remote, car-free village on the Caribbean coast near the Panamanian border, surrounded by dense jungle.
History & landmarks
Santa Fe de Antioquia
One of the oldest cities in Colombia, famous for its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture in a warm tropical climate.
Atanasio Girardot Stadium
The Atanasio Girardot Stadium is the main sports complex in Medellín.
Botero Square
Botero Square is a major public plaza in Medellín decorated with the lush, voluminous bronze sculptures of the famous Colombian artist Fe…
Coltejer Building
The Edificio Coltejer was once the tallest building in Colombia and remains a landmark of Medellín.
Metropolitan Cathedral of Medellín
The Metropolitan Basilica Cathedral of Medellín is a massive neo-Romanesque Catholic church located by Bolívar Park.
Rock of Guatapé
The Rock of Guatapé, also known as El Peñol, is a giant monolithic inselberg with zigzag stairs built into its side.
More places
Ituango Hydroelectric Dam
Colombia's largest hydroelectric project, designed to cover a significant part of the national electricity demand.
Renault-Sofasa Automotive Plant
The leading automotive factory in Colombia, where vehicles are assembled for the national market and export.
Parque Explora
An interactive science museum in Medellín featuring a large aquarium and a vivarium.
Postobón Bello Beverage Plant
One of the largest soft drink production facilities of Colombia's leading national beverage manufacturer.
Urabá Banana Plantations
The Urabá region in Antioquia is the most important center of Colombian banana cultivation and export.
Puerto Antioquia
A new, strategic port project in the Gulf of Urabá, significantly shortening the distance between central Colombia and the sea.
Hacienda Nápoles
A large theme park and zoo built on the former estate of Pablo Escobar.