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Sangarédi Bauxite Mine

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Sangarédi Bauxite Mine (Guinea)

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The Sangarédi Bauxite Mine is the crown jewel of Guinea's mining sector and is recognized globally for having some of the highest-quality aluminum ore deposits on Earth. Located in the Boké Prefecture on a prominent laterite plateau in western Guinea, the mine has been operated since the early 1970s by the Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinée (CBG), a joint venture between the Guinean state and international partners. Geographically, the mining area is defined by vast open-pit sites where Guinea's characteristic red soil is prominently exposed. The ore extracted here is famous for its exceptionally high alumina content and low impurities, making it highly coveted on the global market. The mine is linked directly to the Port of Kamsar via a dedicated 135-kilometer railway line, through which all global exports are handled. Economically, Sangarédi is the nation's primary source of foreign exchange and has stabilized the national economy for decades. Industrial development has led to the creation of a modern mining town with extensive infrastructure, though it also poses significant environmental challenges due to large-scale land alteration.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272930312926252425252525
Rain mm011767251523629394186310

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Sangarédi bauxite mine is one of the world's richest bauxite deposits, operated by the Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinée. It is known for its high ore quality and is a pillar of Guinea's economy.
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Visiting
The mine is a large open pit and usually not open to the public. From the road between Sangarédi and Kamsar, vast mining benches and heavy machinery can be seen.
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Where to view it
An impressive viewpoint is the hill at the entrance to Sangarédi, from where the huge terraces of the open pit can be seen. The hill near the loading facility also features an excellent view.
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Local products
The main product is high-quality bauxite, exported through the port of Kamsar. In the town of Sangarédi, local handicrafts and agricultural products like cassava and peanuts can be bought.
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Active season
Extraction occurs year-round, with peak times in the dry season from November to April. Loading at Kamsar is weather-dependent, but the mine can produce continuously with good planning.
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Nearby
A visit to Sangarédi can be combined with the nearby port of Kamsar and the coastal beaches. A trip to traditional villages in the Fouta Djallon landscape is also recommended.

Geography

Coordinates
11.10340, -13.92120

Facts

  • Sangarédi provides bauxite with an alumina content often exceeding 50%.
  • The mine is operated by CBG, one of Guinea's most established mining firms.
  • It serves as the starting point for the country's most critical ore railway.
  • Open-pit operations span several plateaus, including Sangarédi and Silidara.
  • The mine is a major employer for high-skilled Guinean technicians and engineers.
  • Sangarédi accounts for a significant percentage of total global bauxite supply.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

SangarédiSangarédi<1 km · NWExplore →
Koumbia Bauxite MineKoumbia Bauxite Mine36 km · NEExplore →
BokéBoké41 km · SWExplore →
Fort of Boké MuseumFort of Boké Museum45 km · SWExplore →
Boké LowlandsBoké Lowlands50 km · SExplore →
KolabouiKolaboui64 km · SWExplore →
Port of KatougoumaPort of Katougouma65 km · SWExplore →
Boé HillsBoé Hills70 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Sangarédi mine?
It is one of the world's highest-quality bauxite mines, operated by CBG in northwestern Guinea.
How is the bauxite mined?
Mining is done via open-pit methods using giant bucket-wheel excavators and haul trucks.
Where does the ore go?
The ore is transported by train to Kamsar and from there shipped all over the world.
Can you visit the mine?
Visits are only possible for professional visitors or with special permission from CBG management.
What is the economic importance for Guinea?
It is one of the country's most important sources of foreign exchange and secures thousands of jobs.
Sangarédi Bauxite Mine: where is it located?
Sangarédi Bauxite Mine is located in Guinea.
Sangarédi Bauxite Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Sangarédi Bauxite Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Sangarédi Bauxite Mine is the crown jewel of Guinea's mining sector and is recognized globally for having some of the highest-quality aluminum ore deposits on Earth.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Kamsar — Sangarédi Bauxite Mine (Guinea)
Kamsar
Kamsar is a major Atlantic port city, specifically built for exporting bauxite from the Sangarédi mines.
Fria — Sangarédi Bauxite Mine (Guinea)
Fria
Fria is known as the first city in Africa to possess an alumina refinery.
Boké — Sangarédi Bauxite Mine (Guinea)
Boké
Boké is a significant mining center in western Guinea, known for its massive bauxite deposits.
Kolaboui — Sangarédi Bauxite Mine (Guinea)
Kolaboui
Kolaboui is located in the Boké corridor and serves as an important logistical hub for transporting bauxite to the port of Kamsar.
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Sangarédi
Sangarédi is one of Guinea's most important mining towns and home to the world's largest bauxite mines.
Koundara — Sangarédi Bauxite Mine (Guinea)
Koundara
Koundara is located in the far northwest of Guinea near the border with Senegal.
Boffa — Sangarédi Bauxite Mine (Guinea)
Boffa
Boffa is a port city on the Atlantic coast, known for its fishing and historic role in overseas trade.
Gaoual — Sangarédi Bauxite Mine (Guinea)
Gaoual
Gaoual is located in northwestern Guinea and is an important trade center for agricultural products in a drier region of the country.
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Bel Air Beach
A kilometers-long, brilliant white sand beach, often cited as the most beautiful mainland beach in Guinea.
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Cap Verga
A spectacular cape in the Boké region, famous for its dramatic cliffs and pristine sandy beaches.

Nature

Rio Nuñez — Sangarédi Bauxite Mine (Guinea)
Rio Nuñez
The Rio Nuñez is a tidal river in western Guinea.
Fatala — Sangarédi Bauxite Mine (Guinea)
Fatala
The Fatala River flows through the Boké region into the Atlantic.

More places

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Koumbia Bauxite Mine
One of the newer bauxite mines in the Boké region, part of Guinea's massive expansion to become a leading global bauxite exporter.
Fort of Boké Museum — Sangarédi Bauxite Mine (Guinea)
Fort of Boké Museum
The museum is housed in a former French fort built in 1878.
Boké Lowlands — Sangarédi Bauxite Mine (Guinea)
Boké Lowlands
The flat coastal plain in northwestern Guinea, rich in mineral resources.
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Port of Katougouma
A strategic inland port on the Rio Nuñez river, playing a key role in transporting bauxite from nearby mining areas to the global market.
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Mount Gbahari
An isolated peak in the Boké district, offering a wide view over the Atlantic coast.
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Port of Dapilon
A modern river port in the Boké region, specifically developed for the large-scale export of bauxite by the SMB-Winning Consortium.
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Fria Alumina Plant
The Fria plant is Africa's oldest alumina refinery and forms the industrial backbone of the eponymous mining town.
Port of Kamsar — Sangarédi Bauxite Mine (Guinea)
Port of Kamsar
The Port of Kamsar is one of Guinea's most important export ports, primarily used for shipping bauxite from the Sangarédi mines.