DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Historical Manono Tin Mines

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Historical site
—°1
Historical Manono Tin Mines (Congo - Kinshasa)

Weather…

The historical mines of Manono, located in the Tanganyika province, are globally recognized for hosting some of the world's largest deposits of tin, lithium, and tantalum. Systematic mining operations began in 1910 under the Belgian company Géomines, leading to the rise of one of eastern Congo's most significant industrial centers. Manono became a hub for technical innovation, where massive slag heaps and advanced processing facilities redefined the local topography. Throughout the 20th century, the mines served as the economic backbone of the region, employing thousands of Congolese and expatriate workers. The town boasted sophisticated infrastructure for its time, including a dedicated hydroelectric power station on the Lukushi River. The collapse of global tin prices in the 1980s and the subsequent bankruptcy of Géomines ushered in a period of severe economic hardship for the area. In recent years, Manono has regained strategic importance due to the identification of vast lithium reserves, crucial for the global energy transition. The remnants of colonial-era mining infrastructure now stand alongside modern exploration sites, signaling a potential rebirth for the district.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C242525252625252828272524
Rain mm17113516497141173888210205

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The former mining site is partially accessible, but caution is needed due to unstable structures. Visits are usually only possible with a local guide.
🕒
Typical hours
There are no regular opening hours; visits often need to be arranged in advance. Access is easier during the dry season.
📷
Photography
Photography of the ruined buildings and landscape is allowed. Avoid close-ups of potentially hazardous equipment.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow at least two hours to explore the vast site. The journey from Manono takes about 30 minutes.
➕
Combine with
Combine the visit with a trip to nearby Lake Manono. Local villages also offer insights into mining history.
🧭
Getting there
The site is about 30 km northwest of Manono, accessible via unpaved roads with a 4x4 vehicle. A guide is highly recommended.
💡
Insider tip
Bring plenty of water and sun protection as there are no facilities on site. Wear sturdy shoes due to uneven terrain.

Geography

Coordinates
-7.30500, 27.40800

Facts

  • Industrial exploitation was launched in 1910 by the Géomines company.
  • Manono contains one of the largest hard-rock lithium deposits in the world.
  • The mine was a leading global producer of cassiterite for many decades.
  • The Piana-Mwanga hydroelectric dam was built to power the mining complex.
  • By the 1950s, Manono was one of the most technologically advanced regional towns.
  • The massive tailings from the mining operations are visible from space.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Manono MineManono Mine<1 km · NEExplore →
Gara Djebilet Iron MineGara Djebilet Iron Mine81 km · SEExplore →
SebkhaSebkha82 km · SWExplore →
Agriculture in TindoufAgriculture in Tindouf85 km · WExplore →
TindoufTindouf88 km · WExplore →
Malemba-NkuluMalemba-Nkulu99 km · SWExplore →
Luama PlateauLuama Plateau103 km · NEExplore →
Kibara MountainsKibara Mountains127 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 in the town Historical Manono Tin Mines (1)

Manono-Kitolo mine📍 landmark

Former tin mine in Tanganyika Province, noted for its historical role in mining.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What was historically mined in Manono?
The mines were famous for mining tin (cassiterite) and tantalum.
Why is Manono economically important again today?
Huge lithium deposits have been discovered there, which are in global demand for batteries.
Where is Manono located?
It is located in the Tanganyika province in the southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Can the old mining facilities be visited?
Visits are difficult and usually only possible for business purposes.
What is the local infrastructure like?
The region is very remote and the infrastructure is poor due to years of neglect.
Historical Manono Tin Mines: where is it located?
Historical Manono Tin Mines is located in Congo - Kinshasa.
Historical Manono Tin Mines: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Historical Manono Tin Mines: why is it worth visiting?
The historical mines of Manono, located in the Tanganyika province, are globally recognized for hosting some of the world's largest deposits of tin, lithium, and tantalum.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in Congo - Kinshasa →

Nearby cities

Kalemie — Historical Manono Tin Mines (Congo - Kinshasa)
Kalemie
Kalemie is a port city on the western shore of Lake Tanganyika and the capital of Tanganyika Province.
Kongolo — Historical Manono Tin Mines (Congo - Kinshasa)
Kongolo
Kongolo is a town in Tanganyika Province, situated on the Lualaba River and known for its historic bridge.
Manono — Historical Manono Tin Mines (Congo - Kinshasa)
Manono
Manono is a mining town in Tanganyika Province, historically famous for its large tin deposits and lithium reserves.
Moba — Historical Manono Tin Mines (Congo - Kinshasa)
Moba
Moba is a port town on the western shore of Lake Tanganyika.
Nyunzu — Historical Manono Tin Mines (Congo - Kinshasa)
Nyunzu
Nyunzu is an important railway junction in Tanganyika province.

History & landmarks

🗺️
Kongolo Bridge
The Pont de Kongolo is a massive road and rail bridge crossing the Lualaba River, serving as a critical transport link.
Kalemie Railway Station — Historical Manono Tin Mines (Congo - Kinshasa)
Kalemie Railway Station
The Gare de Kalemie is the historic railway station that serves as the gateway for goods and people traveling between the lake and the in…
Christ the King Cathedral — Historical Manono Tin Mines (Congo - Kinshasa)
Christ the King Cathedral
The Cathédrale Christ-Roi in Kalemie is the main Catholic church in the port city, overlooking Lake Tanganyika.

More places

Manono Mine — Historical Manono Tin Mines (Congo - Kinshasa)
Manono Mine
The Manono Mine is one of the world's largest deposits of lithium and tin, located in the Tanganyika Province.
Lukuga Valley — Historical Manono Tin Mines (Congo - Kinshasa)
Lukuga Valley
A tectonic valley through which the Lukuga River flows as the only outlet of Lake Tanganyika.
Historical Kongolo Bridge — Historical Manono Tin Mines (Congo - Kinshasa)
Historical Kongolo Bridge
The Kongolo Bridge over the Lualaba River is a significant engineering structure from the late colonial era, connecting rail and road tra…
🗺️
Port of Kalemie
A port on Lake Tanganyika that connects the east of the country with Tanzania via lake trade.
Albertville (Kalemie) — Historical Manono Tin Mines (Congo - Kinshasa)
Albertville (Kalemie)
Albertville was the colonial name of Kalemie, established as a military post and later becoming a major port on Lake Tanganyika.
Baudouinville (Moba) — Historical Manono Tin Mines (Congo - Kinshasa)
Baudouinville (Moba)
Baudouinville was founded in 1893 by White Fathers missionaries on Lake Tanganyika and served as a refuge for freed slaves.