Banankoro Diamond Mines

The Banankoro Diamond Mines are the epicenter of Guinea's gemstone industry, located in the Kérouané Prefecture. The region is globally renowned for its rich alluvial diamond deposits found within the sediments of the Baoulé River and its tributaries. Mining in Banankoro is a blend of large-scale industrial concessions and intensive artisanal mining. Thousands of miners, known as 'orpailleurs,' work under often challenging conditions to wash precious stones from river gravel. Geographically, the area is characterized by a hilly landscape with fertile valleys and winding riverbeds. Economically, the Banankoro mines are the most critical factor for prosperity in eastern Guinea, though they have fostered a volatile economic structure heavily dependent on global diamond prices. Banankoro diamonds are prized for their high quality and clarity. The mines have turned the town of Banankoro into a bustling commercial hub attracting buyers from around the world. Despite the wealth generated, the region faces significant challenges, including environmental degradation from unregulated mining and the need for better social protections for the mining community.

Nearby cities

Kankan

Kankan is a historic city on the Milo River and a cultural center of the Mandinka people.

Siguiri

Siguiri is located on the Niger River in northeastern Guinea and is famous for its gold mining.

Kouroussa

Kouroussa is a city on the Niger River in the Kankan region.

Kérouané

Kérouané is located in southeastern Guinea and is known for its diamond deposits and trade in precious stones.

Mandiana

Mandiana is located in eastern Guinea on the Sankarani River.

Banankoro

Banankoro is an important mining town in the Kankan region, known for its diamond mines.

Sanguiana

Sanguiana is an emerging town in the Kankan region, known for its rice fields and fishing on the Niger.

Niagassola

Niagassola is located in the north of the Kankan region and is known for its rich cultural history and the Sosso Bala, a sacred xylophone.

History & landmarks

Kankan Cathedral

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame des Victoires et de la Paix in Kankan is the primary Catholic church of the region.

Kouroussa Niger Bridge

This important bridge crosses the Niger River near Kouroussa.

Nature

Milo

The Milo is an important tributary of the Niger in eastern Guinea.

Sankarani

The Sankarani is a tributary of the Niger that flows through eastern Guinea.

More places

🗺️

Kérouané Highlands

A rugged plateau in eastern Guinea, rich in mineral treasures.

Kankan Rice Fields

The vast plains around Kankan, irrigated by the Milo River, are a major rice-growing area.

🗺️

Mount Balandou

An isolated mountain in Upper Guinea, towering over the vast savanna plains near Kankan.

Grand Mosque of Kankan

The Grand Mosque of Kankan is one of the oldest and most significant mosques in the country.

Faran-Kama Monument

This monument in Kankan commemorates Faran Kama, the legendary founder of the city and a significant Mandinka leader who laid the foundat…

Bissandougou

Bissandougou was the capital of the Wassoulou Empire in the 19th century, founded by Samory Touré.

🗺️

Kankan-Milo Battlefield

This area along the Milo River near Kankan was the scene of decisive battles between Samory Touré's troops and French colonial forces in …

Kiniero Gold Mine

A historic gold mine in the Kouroussa region, revitalized by new investments, contributing to the economic development of Upper Guinea.