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Montagne d'Or Gold Project
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The Montagne d'Or project is a large-scale industrial gold mining proposal located in northwestern French Guiana, approximately 125 kilometers south of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni. The site is situated within the Guiana Shield, a geological formation rich in mineral deposits. The project's feasibility study, completed in 2017, estimated gold reserves at approximately 85 tons (2.75 million ounces). It planned for an open-pit mine covering nearly 800 hectares within a total concession area of 2,500 hectares. Despite its economic potential, the project faced significant legal challenges and environmental opposition due to its proximity to biological reserves. In 2019, the French government initially blocked the development, leading to ongoing legal disputes between the mining consortium and the state. The project remains a central point of debate regarding the balance between economic development and ecological preservation in the Amazonian rainforest.
- Location: French Guiana
- Nearby: Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni (47 km)
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 | 27 | 27 | 25 |
| Rain mm | 236 | 216 | 198 | 308 | 409 | 307 | 207 | 118 | 59 | 66 | 108 | 245 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Montagne d'Or Gold Project is a controversial industrial gold mining project in western French Guiana. It would bring significant economic benefits but also severe ecological impacts on the rainforest and river systems.
Visiting
The project area is still in the development phase and therefore not open to the public. The surrounding forests can be explored independently, with the project infrastructure partially visible.
Where to view it
There are no official viewpoints onto the planned mine; Montagne d'Or itself is a hill surrounded by rivers and forest. A good view of the area is offered from elevations along the road to Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni.
Local products
Currently, the region primarily produces agricultural goods like fruits, vegetables, and cassava, available at local markets. Should the project be realized, gold could become a product - so far there are no legal gold sales on site.
Active season
As the project is not yet operational, there is no active production. If approved, the mine would likely be active year-round, with heightened activity in the dry season.
Nearby
A visit to the region allows exploration of the nearby Guiana Amazonian Park and rivers such as the Mana. The town of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, with its colonial architecture and prison museum, is also worth a detour.
Geography
Facts
- Estimated gold reserves of 85 tons as of 2017
- Location is 125 km south of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni
- Planned open-pit area of approximately 800 hectares
- Total concession area covers 2,500 hectares
- French government blocked the project in 2019
- Ore grade is estimated at 1.5 grams of gold per ton
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Notable places around
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Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Montagne d'Or project?
It was a planned massive gold mining project in the heart of the tropical rainforest.
Why is the project controversial?
Environmentalists fear the destruction of biodiversity and pollution from cyanide.
Where exactly is the site located?
In the northwest of French Guiana, deep in the forest between Saint-Laurent and Cayenne.
What is the current status of the project?
After fierce resistance and court rulings, the project has been largely halted by the French government.
Are there jobs there?
It was supposed to create thousands of jobs, which was the main reason for local support.
Montagne d'Or Gold Project: where is it located?
Montagne d'Or Gold Project is located in French Guiana.
Montagne d'Or Gold Project: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
Montagne d'Or Gold Project: why is it worth visiting?
The Montagne d'Or project is a large-scale industrial gold mining proposal located in northwestern French Guiana, approximately 125 kilometers south of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni.
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The abandoned remains of the relegation camp, which formerly housed repeat offenders from the French justice system.
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A colorful and elaborately decorated wooden church in Iracoubo, painted entirely on the inside by a former convict.
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