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Sabodala Gold Mine

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Industrial site
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Sabodala Gold Mine (Senegal)

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The Sabodala Gold Mine is the largest industrial gold mining project in Senegal, located in the Kédougou Region in the southeast of the country, near the border with Mali. Extraction officially began in 2009 and has since become a cornerstone of the Senegalese mining sector. The mine is operated as an open-pit mine and features a state-of-the-art processing facility that handles millions of tons of ore annually. The project is currently operated by Endeavour Mining Corporation, which conducts extensive exploration in the surrounding area to extend the mine's lifespan. Sabodala contributes significantly to Senegal's gross domestic product and is one of the state's primary sources of foreign exchange earnings. In addition to direct mining, the company is involved in social development projects within the local community to improve infrastructure and education in the remote Kédougou Region. The mine is part of the Birimian Greenstone Belt, a geological formation known for its high gold potential in West Africa.

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 Sabodala Gold Mine is the largest producing gold mine in Senegal and a major economic driver for the region. It extracts gold ore and produces bullion for the international market.
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Visiting
The mine is an active open-pit operation, typically not open to visitors. From the surrounding hills, one can see the pit and processing facilities.
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Where to view it
A good viewpoint is the road passing by the mine site, especially near the entrance gate. From there, a wide view of the open pit opens up.
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Local products
No products are sold directly at the mine, but in Senegal, gold jewelry is sold in the souks of Dakar. The gold extracted here feeds into the international jewelry industry.
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Active season
The mine operates year-round in shifts. Production is steady, but can be ramped up during periods of high gold prices or new ore discoveries.
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Nearby
A visit to the mine can be combined with the nearby village of Sabodala, which houses the workers. The Niokolo-Koba National Park in eastern Senegal is also a worthwhile addition.

Geography

Coordinates
13.18500, -12.02300

Facts

  • Sabodala is the first industrial-scale gold mine in Senegal.
  • Commercial production at the site commenced in 2009.
  • The mine is located approximately 650 kilometers east of Dakar.
  • Ore is processed in a facility with a capacity of 4 million tons per year.
  • The gold deposits are hosted within volcano-sedimentary rocks.
  • The project provides over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Massawa Gold ProjectMassawa Gold Project21 km · SWExplore →
Falémé hillsFalémé hills28 km · SWExplore →
Falémé river valleyFalémé river valley35 km · EExplore →
Falémé RiverFalémé River40 km · NEExplore →
Mako Gold MineMako Gold Mine45 km · SWExplore →
Niokolo-Koba mountain rangeNiokolo-Koba mountain range76 km · SExplore →
Fouta Djallon Highlands (outliers)Fouta Djallon Highlands (outliers)77 km · WExplore →
Niokolo-Koba National ParkNiokolo-Koba National Park79 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the importance of the Sabodala gold mine?
It is an important pillar of the Senegalese mining industry.
Is the mine open to visitors?
No, entry is strictly prohibited for security reasons.
What is there to see in the area?
The region impresses with untouched nature and local traditions.
Why is the area economically important?
Due to gold deposits and related infrastructure.
When is a visit to the region worthwhile?
In the cooler dry season for better travel conditions.
Sabodala Gold Mine: where is it located?
Sabodala Gold Mine is located in Senegal.
Sabodala Gold Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Sabodala Gold Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Sabodala Gold Mine is the largest industrial gold mining project in Senegal, located in the Kédougou Region in the southeast of the country, near the border with Mali.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Niokolo-Koba National Park — Sabodala Gold Mine (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

🗺️
Massawa Gold Project
One of the highest-grade undeveloped gold projects in Africa, located near Sabodala.
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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 — Sabodala Gold Mine (Senegal)
Falémé hills
Hilly border region between Senegal and Mali along the Falémé river.
Falémé river valley — Sabodala Gold Mine (Senegal)
Falémé river valley
A deep valley at the country's eastern border.
Niokolo-Koba mountain range — Sabodala Gold Mine (Senegal)
Niokolo-Koba mountain range
The hilly foothills of the Niokolo-Koba National Park.
Fouta Djallon Highlands (outliers) — Sabodala Gold Mine (Senegal)
Fouta Djallon Highlands (outliers)
The outliers of the Guinean highlands in southeastern Senegal.