Lefa Gold Mine

The Lefa Gold Mine, also known as the Lero mine, is one of the highest-producing gold mines in Guinea, located in the Siguiri Prefecture about 700 kilometers northeast of Conakry. The mine is operated by the Société Minière de Dinguiraye (SMD), which is majority-owned by the international mining group Nordgold. Geographically, the mine is situated in the rolling savanna terrain of northern Upper Guinea. The operation consists of multiple open-pit sites where gold is extracted from both saprolite and fresh rock deposits. Industrial mining at Lefa began in the mid-1990s and has since evolved into a sophisticated, large-scale operation. Economically, the Lefa mine is a vital asset for Guinea, ranking as one of the country's top taxpayers and a major employer in a remote region. The site features its own modern processing plant, power station, and extensive support infrastructure. Nordgold continues to invest in exploration to extend the mine's operational life. Like other major mines in the country, SMD is committed to social development programs, improving local access to water, education, and healthcare, while adhering to environmental standards for land reclamation.

Nearby cities

Kissidougou

Kissidougou is located in the Faranah region and is known for its coffee plantations.

Dabola

Dabola is located in the geographical center of Guinea on the Tinkisso River.

Dinguiraye

Dinguiraye is a holy city of Islam in Guinea, known for its great mosque and its role in the Toucouleur Empire.

Tougué

Tougué is located in northern Middle Guinea and is a significant trade center for livestock and grain in the highlands.

Timbi-Madina

Timbi-Madina is known as the center of potato production in Guinea and is located in a fertile plain of the Fouta Djallon.

Nature

Tinkisso

The Tinkisso is a large tributary of the Niger in northern Guinea.

Gambia River Source

The source of the Gambia River is located in the central Fouta Djallon.

Bafing-Makana

An important tributary of the Bafing River in southwestern Mali.

Bafing

The Bafing is considered the primary source stream of the Senegal River.

More places

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Tinkisso Battlefield

The area around the Tinkisso River was the scene of important battles during the Islamic renewal movements and later during the resistanc…

Tinkisso Basin

A wide geological basin in the north, through which the Tinkisso River flows.

Upper Niger National Park

This national park protects one of the last large dry forest areas in West Africa.

Mafou Forest

The Mafou Forest is a core area of the Upper Niger National Park.

Faranah Hills

Gentle hill country in Central Guinea, where the mighty Niger River originates.

Mount Kourandou

A prominent peak in the Faranah region, marking the transition to the savanna.

Kissidougou Forest Habitats

In the transition zone between savanna and forest near Kissidougou, there are species-rich forest islands.

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Koubia Plateau

A rugged high plateau in the northeast of the Fouta Djallon massif.