Plizio Visual Lab

Dorlin Gold Field

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The Dorlin gold field is located in the west-central part of French Guiana, approximately 40 kilometers south of the commune of Maripasoula. It is a historical mining area that was active as early as the 1950s and is currently a focus for industrial exploration once again. The site is explored by the company Reeve Resources (a subsidiary of Auplata) and is notable for its location within an ecologically sensitive zone. Gold mineralization is tied to quartz veins within volcano-sedimentary rocks, typical of the Guiana Shield. Because the site is within the catchment area of the Petit Inini River, environmental protection is a top priority for all projects in Dorlin. Historically, the area was often targeted by illegal gold miners, which is why legal development is also seen as a means of securing state control over the territory. Logistics are mostly handled by air or via difficult land tracks, increasing operational costs.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	25	25	25	25	25	25	25	25	26	28	28	26
Rain mm	211	224	231	305	355	272	197	114	51	65	95	218

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Dorlin Gold Field is a very well-known gold deposit in French Guiana, attracting both legal and often illegal miners due to its richness. It plays a central role in the region's gold rush and has significant socio-economic and ecological impacts.

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Visiting

The site is usually not accessible to visitors due to illegal activities and mining hazards. From airplanes or helicopters, however, the extensive excavation sites in the dense jungle are visible.

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Where to view it

There are no public viewpoints near ground level; the best perspectives are from the air. During overflights with small charter planes, the dramatic alterations to the landscape become visible.

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Local products

Gold is the primary product, but illegal mining makes it difficult to find legal sources. In surrounding villages, gold dust or nuggets are occasionally offered by small-scale miners, but mostly informally.

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Active season

Activity is high year-round, but especially during the dry season when mining conditions are more favorable. In the rainy season, the excavation sites are often flooded, hampering work.

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Nearby

A visit to the region can be combined with an expedition into the surrounding rainforest of the Amazon jungle. The nearby waterfalls and wildlife watching along the Oyapock River offer attractive alternatives.