Plizio Visual Lab

Chirano Gold Mine

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The Chirano Gold Mine is located in the Western North Region of Ghana, approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Kumasi. Gold deposits in the area were discovered in the mid-1990s, and commercial production officially commenced in 2005. Chirano is a significant mining operation that employs both open-pit and underground mining methods to access various ore bodies along the Bibiani-Sefwi gold belt. For many years, the mine was operated by the Canadian firm Kinross Gold before being acquired by Asante Gold in 2022. The site features a sophisticated processing plant that utilizes crushing, grinding, and carbon-in-leach (CIL) technology to extract gold from the ore. Chirano has produced millions of ounces of gold over its lifespan and remains a vital employer in the region. Beyond its economic impact, the mine is involved in community development programs and environmental reclamation efforts. Exploration activities continue within the concession area to identify new reserves and extend the mine's operational life.

Location: Ghana
Nearby: Bibiani (22 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Aug, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	28	27	27	26	25	24	24	25	25	26	26
Rain mm	18	52	120	135	176	238	130	76	150	226	98	27

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

This major combined open-pit and underground mining complex drives significant economic activity in the Western North Region, reflecting Ghana's vast mineral wealth. It stands as an industrial landmark for the large-scale extraction of valuable natural resources.

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Visiting

Due to exceptionally strict industrial safety and security regulations, tourist access to the active operational zones is typically strictly prohibited. Routine visits are universally restricted to official business personnel and pre-authorized technical delegations.

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Where to view it

The immense scale of the mining infrastructure and the surrounding drastically altered landscape can occasionally be glimpsed from elevated points on adjacent public regional roads. However, heavily forested areas along the perimeter often obscure the deep pits.

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Local products

While direct gold sales to ordinary tourists are non-existent, the local markets in nearby communities thrive on supplying everyday goods, fresh food, and essential services to the large mining workforce, creating a bustling commercial atmosphere.

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Active season

Industrial mining operations generally run continuously throughout the entire calendar year, with massive machinery moving earth and extracting raw ore seamlessly across all seasons and changing weather conditions without significant interruption.

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Nearby

Travelers passing through this active industrial district often cleverly combine the long route with a journey to the Bia National Park, offering a profound contrast between modern heavy industry and pristine tropical wildlife preservation.

Geography

Coordinates

6.26670, -2.35000

Facts

Commercial production at the mine began in October 2005.
Chirano currently operates multiple open pits and two underground mines.
Asante Gold acquired the mine from Kinross Gold in 2022 for $225 million.
The mine is situated within the Bibiani-Sefwi gold belt geological formation.
The processing facility has an annual capacity of approximately 3.4 million tonnes.
The mine employs over 1,500 people, with a high percentage of local workers.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Awaso Bauxite Mine11 km · NWExplore →

Bibiani22 km · EExplore →

Asanko Gold Mine44 km · NExplore →

Edikan Gold Mine63 km · NWExplore →

Dunkwa-on-Offin71 km · NWExplore →

Obuasi75 km · NExplore →

Ahafo Gold Mine85 km · EExplore →

Bia National Park86 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

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

Sights in the town Chirano Gold Mine (1)

Chirano chief palace🏺 historical

A traditional monumental residence serving as the ancestral seat for the local chief in the Chirano gold district.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Chirano Gold Mine located?

It is located in the Western North Region, about 100 km southwest of Kumasi.

Is it open-pit or underground mining?

At Chirano, gold is produced through both open-pit and underground mining.

Can the mine be visited?

Only with official permission from the operating company; strict security checks.

Who operates the mine?

The mine is currently operated by Asante Gold.

What is the infrastructure like nearby?

Roads are partly unpaved but maintained for mining operations.

Chirano Gold Mine: where is it located?

Chirano Gold Mine is located in Ghana.

Chirano Gold Mine: when is the best time to visit?