Koma Bangou Gold Field

The Koma Bangou gold field in the Tillabéri Region is one of the most significant sites for artisanal and small-scale gold mining in Niger. Since the discovery of deposits in the 1980s, the location has attracted thousands of miners (orpailleurs) from across the nation and neighboring states. The region's geology is part of the Liptako-Gourma formation, which is renowned for its gold-bearing quartz veins. Extraction often occurs under precarious conditions within deep, manually dug shafts, where the ore is crushed and washed on-site. Koma Bangou contributes substantially to the country's non-agricultural economy but also presents massive ecological challenges, including mercury and cyanide pollution. The government is increasingly striving to formalize the sector to improve safety standards and secure tax revenues. The gold field is not merely an economic driver but also a complex social space featuring its own infrastructure of markets and workshops.

Nearby cities

Téra

A quiet town in the far west of the country, near the border with Burkina Faso.

Tillabéri

As the gateway to the Sahel, this city on the banks of the Niger offers green rice fields amidst dry areas.

Ayorou

Picturesquely built on islands in the Niger River, this place is especially known for its colorful Sunday market.

Kollo

Just a stone's throw from Niamey, this settlement still preserves its charming village character.

Say

As a deeply religious center south of the capital, this place attracts believers to the banks of the Niger with old mosques.

Filingué

Nestled in dry steppes, this settlement preserves the original lifestyle of the Sahel inhabitants.

Ouallam

A tranquil small town north of the capital, living primarily from herding and dry farming.

Gothèye

The settlement is idyllically situated on the banks of the great river and maintains a deeply rooted tradition of boat building.

Banibangou

The small, rugged border settlement bravely battles climatic conditions and preserves its culture.

Bankilaré

A small rural community that proves its vitality through regular livestock markets.

Kouré

A town east of Niamey, famous for being the home of the last herd of West African giraffes in the wild.

Balleyara

This place literally explodes with energy when its nationally renowned livestock market takes place every Sunday.

History & landmarks

W National Park

A transboundary UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its diverse wildlife and the characteristic W-shape of the Niger River.

More places

Samira Hill Gold Mine

Niger's first commercial gold mine, located in the Liptako-Gourma area near the border with Burkina Faso, a key factor in gold exports.

Tillabéri River Crossing

An ancient, strategically important point for crossing the Niger River for trade caravans.

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Historical Boubon

A small village on an island, known for generations for its traditional pottery.

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Kandadji Dam

A massive hydropower and irrigation project under construction on the Niger River, designed to revolutionize the country's energy indepen…

Old Zarma Capital Ouallam

A significant historical Zarma settlement that played a major role in repelling regional invasions.

Ayorou Livestock Market

One of the largest and most important livestock markets in the Sahel, where thousands of cattle, sheep, and camels are traded on Sundays.

Say Islamic Center

Say was influential in the 19th century as an intellectual and religious center of West Africa.

Historical Filingué

An old settlement in the Dallol Bosso that has served as an agricultural and trade center for centuries.