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Kwakwani Bauxite Mine
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The Kwakwani Bauxite Mine is located along the Berbice River in the Upper Demerara-Berbice region and has been operational since the mid-20th century. The deposit is known for producing high-grade bauxite used primarily in metallurgy and for refractory materials. Historically, the mine was operated by various international and state-owned entities, including Reynolds Metals and later the Guyana Bauxite Company (GUYBAU). Transport of the ore occurs via the Berbice River to processing centers and export ports. Kwakwani serves not only as a mining site but also as a vital community whose economy is heavily dependent on resource extraction. The geological formations in this area belong to some of the most extensive bauxite belts in the world. In recent years, efforts have been made to increase mining efficiency through new technologies and private partnerships.
- Location: Guyana
- Top sights: Bamboo turn · Bamboo from main
- Nearby: Bush Lot (78 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 27 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 149 | 111 | 99 | 138 | 281 | 250 | 249 | 171 | 79 | 78 | 112 | 190 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
Kwakwani serves as a vital hub for bauxite extraction, representing a cornerstone of Guyana's mining sector and driving significant regional employment. The operations here involve massive earth-moving processes to uncover the raw materials essential for global aluminum production.
Visiting
As an active and potentially hazardous industrial mining site, direct access for casual tourists is generally strictly prohibited due to severe safety regulations. However, those with specialized professional interests might be able to organize official technical tours through corporate or government channels.
Where to view it
The immense scale of the mining cuts and the heavy machinery in operation can sometimes be glimpsed from elevated points on public access roads approaching the town. River travelers on the Berbice River may also observe the crucial barge transport systems moving the extracted ore downstream.
Local products
While you cannot purchase bauxite as a typical souvenir, the surrounding community of Kwakwani hosts small-scale markets where locals sell basic goods, river fish, and regional agricultural produce. These modest commercial interactions provide a genuine glimpse into the daily lives of the mining workforce.
Active season
Extraction operations generally run continuously throughout the year to meet sustained industrial demand, though the logistical transport of ore by river barges can be somewhat affected by the dramatic water level changes between the extreme dry and wet tropical seasons.
Nearby
A journey to this remote industrial outpost is best combined with intrepid eco-tourism adventures further along the winding Berbice River. Exploring the lush, untamed rainforest ecosystems and observing the lively exotic wildlife makes for a stark, fascinating contrast to the heavy mining machinery.
Geography
Facts
- The mine is located on the eastern bank of the Berbice River.
- Mining started here in the 1940s by Reynolds Metals.
- Kwakwani produces chemical and metallurgical grade bauxite.
- Ore is transported via barge down the river.
- The mine is a central employer in the Region 10 area.
- Bauxite deposits are found in Tertiary sedimentary layers.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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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Sights in the town Kwakwani Bauxite Mine (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is mined in Kwakwani?
A significant bauxite mine for aluminum production is located here.
Where is Kwakwani located?
On the Berbice River, about 100 kilometers south of Linden.
How is the bauxite transported?
Mostly by barge down the Berbice River to the coast.
Can you visit the mine?
Only with permission from the operating company; it is not a public site.
Who is currently operating the mine?
The Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI), often with involvement from RUSAL.
Kwakwani Bauxite Mine: where is it located?
Kwakwani Bauxite Mine is located in Guyana.
Kwakwani Bauxite Mine: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bamboo turn, Bamboo from main.
Kwakwani Bauxite Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Sep, Oct.
Kwakwani Bauxite Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Kwakwani Bauxite Mine is located along the Berbice River in the Upper Demerara-Berbice region and has been operational since the mid-20th century.
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History & landmarks
Nature
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Rusal Aroaima Mine
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Ebini Livestock Station
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Bosai Minerals Plant
A large bauxite processing facility in the town of Linden.
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Mabura Hill
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Kimbia Agricultural Centre
A remote agricultural training center on the Berbice River, originally founded as a national pioneer service.
Fort Nassau
The former remains of the capital of the Dutch colony of Berbice, located about 80 kilometers inland.
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Berbice Savanna
An extensive grass and scrub landscape in eastern Guyana, crisscrossed by a network of small rivers and wetlands.