Plizio Visual Lab

Mako Gold Mine

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The Mako Gold Mine, located in the Kédougou region of southeastern Senegal, is one of the country's most productive open-pit gold mines. Operated by the Petowal Mining Company (a subsidiary of Resolute Mining), the mine achieved its first gold pour in January 2018. The project includes a large-scale excavation pit, a processing plant, and extensive environmental management programs due to its proximity to the Niokolo-Koba National Park. With gold reserves exceeding 1.8 million ounces, Mako contributes significantly to Senegal's GDP and export earnings. The mine employs hundreds of local workers and invests in community development projects, such as water supply and education. Utilizing modern extraction techniques, the site produces over 150,000 ounces of gold annually, cementing Senegal's status as a major player in the West African mining sector.

Location: Senegal
Nearby: Niokolo-Koba National Park (53 km)

Best time to visit & climate

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	29	32	34	34	30	27	26	26	27	26	25
Rain mm	1	1	1	3	38	152	264	366	267	86	5	0

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Mako Gold Mine is a prominent industrial extraction site that significantly influences the economic landscape of southeastern Senegal. Operated by international mining interests, it represents a major modern investment in the region's mineral wealth.

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Visiting

As is standard for large-scale precious metal operations, the mine itself is heavily restricted and not open for public tours. The perimeter is strictly monitored, meaning visitors must respect the boundaries and cannot access the internal workings.

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Where to view it

Glimpses of the industrial infrastructure and the large transport vehicles can occasionally be caught from the main roads traversing the region. The contrast between the heavy machinery and the surrounding West African savanna is usually quite apparent from a distance.

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Local products

The nearby communities bustling around the mining area are bustling spots to find local Senegalese food, basic travelers' supplies, and regional crafts. While gold is not sold to tourists, the local markets reflect the economic boost brought by the mine's workforce.

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Active season

Operations run continuously, though the dry season makes the region much easier to navigate due to better road conditions. During the heavy rains, the unpaved roads in the surrounding rural areas can become challenging for casual travelers to traverse.

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Nearby

The mine's proximity to the Niokolo-Koba National Park makes it an interesting transit point for wildlife enthusiasts. Many visitors combine a drive past this massive industrial site with an exciting safari adventure in the vast, protected biosphere nearby.