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Matthews Ridge Manganese Mine

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Industrial site
—°1
Matthews Ridge Manganese Mine (Guyana)

Weather…

The Matthews Ridge Manganese Mine in North West Guyana (Region 1) is a historic mining site that has seen a significant revival in recent years. Originally operated in the mid-20th century by Union Carbide, the mine is now being reactivated by Guyana Manganese Inc. (GMI), a subsidiary of the Chinese Bosai Minerals Group. Manganese is an essential element for steel production, and the deposits at Matthews Ridge are among the most significant in South America. The project involves the reconstruction of roads, bridges, and a processing plant, as well as the rehabilitation of the rail line to the port of Port Kaituma. The resumption of operations has a profound impact on the local economy in the Barima-Waini district, providing direct and indirect employment in a remote region. GMI has introduced modern mining procedures to increase efficiency while meeting Guyana's stringent environmental regulations. The project highlights the diversification of the mining sector beyond gold and bauxite, and strengthens Guyana's role as an exporter of strategic industrial minerals on the global market.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252526272625252626262625
Rain mm14497711102532592431709498155204

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Matthews Ridge Manganese Mine is a revitalized mine in northwestern Guyana. It plays an important role in the local economy through the extraction and export of manganese ore.
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Visiting
The mine is typically not open to the public, but the outer facilities are visible from nearby roads. Visitors can observe the extraction equipment and spoil heaps from a safe distance.
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Where to view it
The best viewpoints are along the access roads to the mine, such as Matthews Ridge Road. From there, the open-pit areas and processing plants are visible.
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Local products
The main product of the mine is manganese ore, used in steel production. The ore is typically exported, mainly to countries with steel industries.
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Active season
Mine operations typically run year-round, with seasonal variations depending on weather. The dry season from September to April favors extraction and transport.
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Nearby
Combine a visit with the nearby town of Matthews Ridge, which gives local services. Also explore the surrounding rainforests and rivers for nature experiences.

Geography

Coordinates
7.51000, -60.17000

Facts

  • Located in the Barima-Waini district (Region 1).
  • Operated by Guyana Manganese Inc. (GMI/Bosai).
  • Formerly a site for the American company Union Carbide.
  • Manganese is critical for the global steel industry.
  • Includes a rail link to the port of Port Kaituma.
  • Re-opening created hundreds of jobs in the hinterland.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Matthews RidgeMatthews Ridge<1 km · NEExplore →
Port KaitumaPort Kaituma34 km · NExplore →
Imataka MountainsImataka Mountains37 km · SExplore →
Amakura RiverAmakura River42 km · EExplore →
Hosororo Agricultural StationHosororo Agricultural Station55 km · NEExplore →
KumakaKumaka57 km · NEExplore →
Toroparu Gold ProjectToroparu Gold Project59 km · WExplore →
MorawhannaMorawhanna60 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Matthews Ridge Manganese Mine (1)

Matthews Ridge, Guyana📍 landmark

Matthews Ridge is a settlement in the Barima-Waini region of northwestern Guyana. It is located in hilly terrain.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is mined at Matthews Ridge?
The main deposit is manganese ore, which is globally important for steel production.
Where is Matthews Ridge located?
In the Barima-Waini region (Region 1) in northwest Guyana, in a remote jungle area.
How is the ore transported?
There used to be a railway; today a combination of trucks and ships is mostly used.
Are there accommodations there?
The Matthews Ridge settlement has simple guesthouses, primarily intended for business travelers.
How do you get there?
Best by domestic flight to Port Kaituma and then further by off-road vehicle.
Matthews Ridge Manganese Mine: where is it located?
Matthews Ridge Manganese Mine is located in Guyana.
Matthews Ridge Manganese Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Sep.
Matthews Ridge Manganese Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Matthews Ridge Manganese Mine in North West Guyana (Region 1) is a historic mining site that has seen a significant revival in recent years.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
South America
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Nearby cities

Kumaka — Matthews Ridge Manganese Mine (Guyana)
Kumaka
Kumaka is a fascinating city in Guyana known for its local culture and vibrant community.
Mabaruma — Matthews Ridge Manganese Mine (Guyana)
Mabaruma
Mabaruma is an important administrative center and one of the most significant cities in Guyana's BA region.
Matthews Ridge — Matthews Ridge Manganese Mine (Guyana)
Matthews Ridge
Matthews Ridge is a fascinating city in Guyana known for its local culture and vibrant community.
Port Kaituma — Matthews Ridge Manganese Mine (Guyana)
Port Kaituma
Port Kaituma is a fascinating city in Guyana known for its local culture and vibrant community.
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Morawhanna
Morawhanna is a fascinating city in Guyana known for its local culture and vibrant community.
Shell Beach — Matthews Ridge Manganese Mine (Guyana)
Shell Beach
A 140km stretch of coastline famous for nesting sea turtles and unique beaches made of tiny shells.

Nature

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Amakura River
A river in the extreme northwest of Guyana that marks part of the border with Venezuela.
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Barima River
A river in northwestern Guyana that flows into the Atlantic Ocean near the Venezuelan border.
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Waini River
A river in the Barima-Waini region that flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

More places

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Imataka Mountains
A ridge near the border with Venezuela, covered by humid tropical forests and rich in iron ore.
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Hosororo Agricultural Station
One of Guyana's oldest agricultural experimental stations in the northwest, specializing in citrus fruits and avocados.
Mabaruma Cocoa Project — Matthews Ridge Manganese Mine (Guyana)
Mabaruma Cocoa Project
An agricultural initiative in north-western Guyana to revitalize cocoa farming in the indigenous community.
Barima-Waini Mangrove Forests — Matthews Ridge Manganese Mine (Guyana)
Barima-Waini Mangrove Forests
The extensive coastal mangroves in northwestern Guyana serve as a crucial buffer against marine erosion and as a nursery for marine life.
Shell Beach — Matthews Ridge Manganese Mine (Guyana)
Shell Beach
A 145-kilometer stretch of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, known as a nesting site for endangered sea turtles.
Toroparu Gold Project — Matthews Ridge Manganese Mine (Guyana)
Toroparu Gold Project
One of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in South America.
Aurora Gold Mine — Matthews Ridge Manganese Mine (Guyana)
Aurora Gold Mine
A large gold mine in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region of Guyana.