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Yanfolila Gold Mine

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Industrial site
—°2
Yanfolila Gold Mine (Mali)

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The Yanfolila Gold Mine is a significant industrial gold production site located in southern Mali, operated by the UK-based company Hummingbird Resources. Situated within the highly prospective Bougouni-Yanfolila gold belt, the mine poured its first gold in late 2017 and has since become a key contributor to Mali's status as a top African gold producer. The operation primarily focuses on open-pit mining from several deposits, including Komana East and Komana West, where high-grade ore is extracted and processed in a state-of-the-art on-site facility. The processing plant utilizes Carbon-in-Leach technology to recover gold with high efficiency, which is then cast into doré bars for international export. Economically, Yanfolila provides vital tax revenues and royalties to the Malian government and supports the livelihoods of hundreds of workers and their families in the Sikasso region. Hummingbird Resources has implemented a robust community investment program, focusing on water sanitation, healthcare, and sustainable farming initiatives to ensure the mine leaves a positive legacy. The mine is a model of modern mining practices in West Africa, balancing large-scale industrial output with environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Its ongoing exploration efforts aim to extend the life of the mine, promising continued economic stability and development for the Yanfolila district for years to come.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C242731323028262525262624
Rain mm22437921662503152477950

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Yanfolila Gold Mine is a high-grade open-pit mine in the Sikasso Region of Mali, known for its efficient extraction and processing. It contributes significantly to Mali's gold export economy.
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Visiting
The mine is an active industrial site closed to the public. However, from nearby hills or the access road, the open pit and processing facilities can be seen from a distance.
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Where to view it
A recommended viewpoint is the height south of the mine site, from where the entire pit is visible. Some local guides offer organized viewpoints on surrounding heights.
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Local products
In villages around Yanfolila, handmade jewelry and goldsmith items are offered, often from recycled material. Markets also feature mangoes, millet, and other local produce.
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Active season
The mine operates year-round in shifts, but the best visiting period for the region is the dry season from November to May. Access roads are more passable then.
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Nearby
Combine the visit with a detour to Bafing National Park or the traditional villages of the Wassoulou region. The city of Sikasso with its large mosque is also worth exploring.

Geography

Coordinates
11.18000, -8.15000

Facts

  • Operator: Hummingbird Resources (UK)
  • First gold pour: December 2017
  • Location: Sikasso Region, Southern Mali
  • Mining method: Open-pit operations
  • Key deposits: Komana East and West
  • Uses advanced CIL processing technology

Explore nearby

Notable places around

YanfolilaYanfolila<1 km · EExplore →
Yanfolila ForestYanfolila Forest6 km · SExplore →
Kodiéran Gold MineKodiéran Gold Mine23 km · WExplore →
SankaraniSankarani39 km · SEExplore →
Wassoulou Empire RemainsWassoulou Empire Remains44 km · SWExplore →
Kalana Gold MineKalana Gold Mine49 km · WExplore →
Sélingué DamSélingué Dam49 km · EExplore →
Mount BougouniMount Bougouni76 km · NExplore →

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 Yanfolila Gold Mine (2)

Wassoulou-Ballé📍 landmark

Wassoulou-Ballé is a traditional region in southern Mali, known for its cultural heritage.

Yanfolila📍 landmark

Yanfolila is a small town in southern Mali, a center for gold mining activities.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is mined at the Yanfolila gold mine?
As the name suggests, this is a site for industrial gold extraction.
Can one visit the mine?
No, for security reasons, unauthorized entry to the site is strictly prohibited.
How important is mining for Yanfolila?
Mining is a central economic factor, providing numerous jobs for the local population.
How to get to Yanfolila?
Yanfolila is accessible via road connections from Bamako.
Is the area developed for tourism?
There is little tourist infrastructure as the region is heavily industrial.
Yanfolila Gold Mine: where is it located?
Yanfolila Gold Mine is located in Mali.
Yanfolila Gold Mine: what is there to see?
Highlights include Wassoulou-Ballé, Yanfolila.
Yanfolila Gold Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Yanfolila Gold Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Yanfolila Gold Mine is a significant industrial gold production site located in southern Mali, operated by the UK-based company Hummingbird Resources.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Yanfolila — Yanfolila Gold Mine (Mali)
Yanfolila
The idyllic town on Lake Sélingué benefits greatly from fishing and the nearby dam.
Bougouni — Yanfolila Gold Mine (Mali)
Bougouni
Known as the gateway to the green south of Mali, this city is an important hub for agricultural trade.

Nature

Sankarani — Yanfolila Gold Mine (Mali)
Sankarani
The Sankarani is a tributary of the Niger that flows through eastern Guinea.

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