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Massawa Gold Project

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Massawa Gold Project (Senegal)

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The Massawa Gold Project in eastern Senegal is one of the nation's most significant mining ventures and represents one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in West Africa. Situated in the Kédougou region, it lies within the Birimian Greenstone Belt, renowned for its wealth of precious metals. The project was originally developed by Randgold (later Barrick Gold) before being acquired in 2020 by Teranga Gold, which subsequently merged with Endeavour Mining. The deposit is characterized by high-grade gold mineralization, with a substantial portion of the reserves accessible via open-pit mining. The advancement of Massawa has elevated Senegal to a key player in the global gold market, substantially boosting national export revenues. Mining in this area demands complex metallurgical processing, particularly for refractory ores, requiring significant technological investment and specialized expertise.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262932343430272626272625
Rain mm1115401482673632667850

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Massawa Gold Project is one of the highest-grade undeveloped gold deposits in Africa, located near Sabodala. It is set to strengthen the regional mining industry and provide significant economic impetus.
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Visiting
The project site is currently not open to the public, as it is still in the development phase. From nearby roads, initial infrastructure works and exploration drilling are visible.
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Where to view it
A viewpoint exists on the road between Sabodala and the project area, from where the future open pit is partially visible. The surrounding hills also provide an overview.
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Local products
Gold is not yet mined in the region, but local markets offer handicrafts and agricultural products. In the future, gold bars and mining equipment will play a role.
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Active season
Construction work on the project is currently ongoing, with peak activity expected upon production start. Seasonal rains affect the construction pace.
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Nearby
A visit can be combined with the town of Sabodala and the nearby Niokolo-Koba National Park. Traditional Bassari villages also offer cultural insights.

Geography

Coordinates
13.09000, -12.18500

Facts

  • Estimated reserves exceed 2.6 million ounces of gold.
  • Teranga Gold acquired the project in 2020 for 430 million dollars.
  • The deposit is located within the geological Birimian Belt.
  • A large portion of the extraction is via open-pit mining.
  • Massawa is located approximately 700 kilometers east of Dakar.
  • The mine is a primary contributor to the GDP of the Kédougou region.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Falémé hillsFalémé hills10 km · WExplore →
Sabodala Gold MineSabodala Gold Mine21 km · NEExplore →
Mako Gold MineMako Gold Mine26 km · SWExplore →
Falémé river valleyFalémé river valley46 km · EExplore →
Niokolo-Koba mountain rangeNiokolo-Koba mountain range57 km · SExplore →
Falémé RiverFalémé River59 km · NEExplore →
Niokolo-Koba National ParkNiokolo-Koba National Park60 km · SExplore →
Fouta Djallon Highlands (outliers)Fouta Djallon Highlands (outliers)64 km · WExplore →

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 nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Massawa gold project?
A significant mining enterprise for extracting gold resources in the region.
Can one visit the project?
No, the operating site is strictly secured and not accessible to tourists.
Why is gold so important for the area?
Gold extraction brings investments to the region and creates jobs for the local population.
What does the area offer for tourism?
There are scenic areas and an authentic, traditional culture to discover.
How to best plan a trip here?
Due to the isolation, good preparation and experienced guidance are recommended.
Massawa Gold Project: where is it located?
Massawa Gold Project is located in Senegal.
Massawa Gold Project: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Massawa Gold Project: why is it worth visiting?
The Massawa Gold Project in eastern Senegal is one of the nation's most significant mining ventures and represents one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in West Africa.
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Nearby cities

Niokolo-Koba National Park — Massawa Gold Project (Senegal)
Niokolo-Koba National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage site in eastern Senegal, famous for its untouched wilderness and the banks of the Gambia River.

Nature

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Falémé River
An important tributary of the Senegal River in the east of the country.

More places

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Sabodala Gold Mine
The Sabodala Gold Mine is the largest producing gold mine in Senegal.
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Mako Gold Mine
The Mako gold mine is operated by Resolute Mining and is located near the Niokolo-Koba National Park.
Falémé hills — Massawa Gold Project (Senegal)
Falémé hills
Hilly border region between Senegal and Mali along the Falémé river.
Falémé river valley — Massawa Gold Project (Senegal)
Falémé river valley
A deep valley at the country's eastern border.
Niokolo-Koba mountain range — Massawa Gold Project (Senegal)
Niokolo-Koba mountain range
The hilly foothills of the Niokolo-Koba National Park.
Fouta Djallon Highlands (outliers) — Massawa Gold Project (Senegal)
Fouta Djallon Highlands (outliers)
The outliers of the Guinean highlands in southeastern Senegal.