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Mayoko Iron Ore Mine

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The Mayoko Iron Ore Mine is situated in the Niari Department of the Republic of the Congo, targeting a significant itabirite and saprolite iron deposit. The project has seen involvement from various international mining firms, including Exxaro and Sapetro, focusing on the Mayoko-Lékoumou and Mayoko-Moussondji sites. One of the project's defining features is its direct access to the existing Congo-Ocean Railway (CFCO), which facilitates the transport of ore directly to the Atlantic coast. The ore is known for its relatively low impurity levels, making it attractive for global steel manufacturers. Mining operations typically involve open-pit extraction of enriched saprolite ore in the initial phases, followed by the processing of the underlying magnetite-bearing rocks. The development has brought significant infrastructure improvements to the remote Mayoko district, including housing and healthcare facilities. It represents a key asset in the country's growing iron ore mining cluster.

Location: Congo - Brazzaville
Nearby: Mossendjo (71 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	24	24	24	24	24	23	23	23	23	23	23	23
Rain mm	177	167	235	221	183	27	7	18	92	269	357	244

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Mayoko Iron Ore Mine in the northwest of the Niari region is a major mining center, extracting high-quality iron ore for the world market. It plays a central role in the regional economy, creating jobs in extraction and transport.

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Visiting

The mine site is typically not open to the public as it is an active industrial site. From the surrounding hills or the access road, however, you can get a view of the open-pit operations.

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Where to view it

A good viewpoint is the hill east of the mine, from where you can overlook the entire open pit and processing plants. The road to Mayoko also gives views of the conveyor belts and waste heaps at several points.

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Local products

Direct mining products are not sold to visitors in the region. Local markets in Mayoko offer agricultural produce such as cassava, cooking bananas, and palm oil.

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Active season

The mine operates year-round, but activity can be affected during the rainy season (October to May) by flooding of transport routes. The drier months from June to September are typically the most productive.

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Nearby

A mine visit can be combined with a trip to the nearby Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park to see gorillas and forest elephants. The town of Mossendjo with its train station and markets is also worth a stop.

Geography

Coordinates

-2.30000, 12.81000

Facts

The mine is located in the Niari Department in the west of the country.
It mines high-quality itabirite and saprolite iron ores.
The project uses the existing CFCO railway line for transport.
Exxaro Resources was one of the main investors in the early phase.
The deposit is known for its low phosphorus content.
The ore is shipped to the port of Pointe-Noire for export.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Gamba Oil Terminal40 km · WExplore →

Bakoumba54 km · NEExplore →

Lékoumou Mountain56 km · NWExplore →

Bakoumba Primate Center58 km · EExplore →

Mount Nyangui64 km · SWExplore →

Mossendjo71 km · WExplore →

Dienga75 km · NEExplore →

Birougou Forest78 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Mayoko Iron Ore Mine (1)

Mayoko, Republic of the Congo📍 landmark

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is mined in Mayoko?

The mine focuses on iron ore extraction.

How is the ore transported?

By rail directly to the port of Pointe-Noire.

Where is Mayoko located?

In the Niari Department, in the west of the country.

Can the mine be visited?

Visits are usually not possible for tourists.

Which companies operate there?

Various international mining companies are involved in the project.

Mayoko Iron Ore Mine: where is it located?

Mayoko Iron Ore Mine is located in Congo - Brazzaville.

Mayoko Iron Ore Mine: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Mayoko Iron Ore Mine: why is it worth visiting?

The Mayoko Iron Ore Mine is situated in the Niari Department of the Republic of the Congo, targeting a significant itabirite and saprolite iron deposit.

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