Plizio Visual Lab

Mounana

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

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Practical info — Mounana

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

The town has a unique history due to former uranium mines; however, strictly avoid any restricted or abandoned industrial zones.
Infrastructure here is better than in small villages, but you should still buy specialty items beforehand in Franceville.
The climate at this elevation is often slightly cooler than on the coast; bring a light sweater for the evenings.
Locals are often willing to share stories of the mining era; show respect when asking about the town's past.

🍽 Food

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Street-side Grilled Meat

Try the popular skewers (brochettes) grilled at street corners in the evening.

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Peanut Soup

A hearty, creamy soup made with meat or fish, usually served with rice.

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Beignets

Sweet, deep-fried dough balls that make a great daytime snack.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

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Mounana Central Market

Find fresh groceries, spices, and everyday necessities here.

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Local Tailor Shops

Have custom clothing made from colorful, lively African fabrics.

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Hillside Viewpoints

Hike up the surrounding hills to enjoy a peaceful view over the valley.

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Town Outskirts

A walk on the edge of town features relaxation away from traffic.

Mounana is a town in the Haut-Ogooué province of eastern Gabon, historically recognized as a global center for uranium mining. The town's history was fundamentally shaped by the discovery of uranium deposits in 1956, leading to the commencement of operations by the mining company COMUF in 1961. For nearly four decades, Mounana was a primary supplier of uranium for the French nuclear program, which stimulated rapid urban growth and the development of modern infrastructure. The industrial era concluded with the closure of the mines in 1999, presenting the town with significant socio-economic challenges. Geographically, Mounana is tucked away in a hilly, forested region near the city of Moanda, which is famous for its manganese reserves. Today, the area is the focus of intensive environmental studies and remediation efforts to manage the legacy of mining activities. Despite the industrial downturn, Mounana remains a significant site in Gabon's collective memory and the history of Franco-Gabonese industrial relations.