Samira Hill Gold Mine

The Samira Hill gold mine, located in western Niger near the border with Burkina Faso, is the country's first large-scale industrial gold mining operation. It is situated within the Liptako-Gourma greenstone belt, a geological formation renowned for its rich mineral deposits. The mine commenced production in 2004 and is operated by the Société des Mines du Liptako (SML), a joint venture involving the Nigerien government. Gold is extracted through open-pit mining and processed on-site using cyanide heap leaching technology. During its peak operational years, the mine produced between 40,000 and 50,000 ounces of gold annually, serving as a vital source of foreign exchange for the nation. In recent years, the site has faced challenges including declining ore grades and regional security concerns in the border zone. Nevertheless, Samira Hill remains a landmark in Niger's mining history, paving the way for further exploration and development in the western part of the country. Its operations have significantly bolstered the professional capacity of the domestic mining sector.

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

Koma Bangou Gold Field

One of the most important artisanal gold mining sites in the Tillabéri area, where tens of thousands of people search for gold under diff…

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.