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Diogo Mineral Sand Mine

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Industrial site
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Diogo Mineral Sand Mine (Senegal)

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The Diogo mineral sand mine, operated by Grande Côte Operations (GCO), is one of the world's most significant extraction sites for zircon and titanium minerals such as ilmenite and rutile. Stretching along the coastal dunes north of Dakar, the mine utilizes an advanced dredge-and-wet-concentrator plant floating on an artificial pond to separate heavy minerals from the sand. This project is a joint venture between the French mining group Eramet and the Republic of Senegal, highlighting its strategic importance to the national economy. The raw materials produced here are essential for the global ceramics, pigments, and aerospace industries. To facilitate exports, GCO rehabilitated a dedicated railway line connecting the site to the Port of Dakar, ensuring logistical efficiency. The operation places a high priority on environmental restoration, re-vegetating the mined dunes immediately after the extraction process. The mine contributes significantly to Senegal's GDP and provides hundreds of skilled jobs in the Thiès region.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232426272829292828292724
Rain mm292530161061601292620

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Diogo Mineral Sand Mine in Senegal's Grande-Côte region extracts zircon and ilmenite. It is a major producer of these strategically important raw materials.
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Visiting
The mine is not visible from public roads as it is in a fenced area. Visits are usually not possible.
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Where to view it
From the coastal road near Diogo, one can see the extraction facilities in the distance. The beach gives a good view of the industrial zone behind the dunes.
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Local products
In local shops, minerals are not directly sold. The focus is on export, but informational material about the mining can be obtained.
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Active season
The mine operates continuously throughout the year. The dry season from November to May is the best time to visit the coastal region.
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Nearby
The surrounding area features beaches like those near Saint-Louis. The Langue de Barbarie National Park is also worth a visit.

Geography

Coordinates
15.30900, -16.65700

Facts

  • The world's fourth-largest zircon producer, operated by Grande Côte Operations.
  • Uses a floating suction dredge within a 600-meter long artificial pond.
  • Produces approximately 85,000 tons of zircon and 450,000 tons of ilmenite annually.
  • French company Eramet holds a 90% stake, while the state of Senegal holds 10%.
  • Features a dedicated 100-kilometer freight railway line to the Port of Dakar.
  • Full commercial production and initial exports commenced in early 2014.

Explore nearby

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Lompoul sand plainLompoul sand plain31 km · EExplore →
Mboro Phosphate MineMboro Phosphate Mine32 km · SWExplore →
Darou Khoudoss Phosphate PlantDarou Khoudoss Phosphate Plant33 km · SWExplore →
Great Mosque of TivaouaneGreat Mosque of Tivaouane42 km · SWExplore →
Taiba Ndiaye Wind FarmTaiba Ndiaye Wind Farm42 km · SWExplore →

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 mined in the Diogo mine?
Mainly mineral sands for industry are mined here.
Is the mine visitable?
No, it is an industrial site without public access.
Why is the operation economically important?
It contributes significantly to Senegalese exports.
Where is the mine exactly?
In the Diogo region on the Atlantic coast.
Does mining influence local nature?
Yes, there are environmental regulations for land reclamation.
Diogo Mineral Sand Mine: where is it located?
Diogo Mineral Sand Mine is located in Senegal.
Diogo Mineral Sand Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Diogo Mineral Sand Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Diogo mineral sand mine, operated by Grande Côte Operations (GCO), is one of the world's most significant extraction sites for zircon and titanium minerals such as ilmenite and rutile.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Thiès — Diogo Mineral Sand Mine (Senegal)
Thiès
An important transport hub and industrial center known for its tapestry production and historic railway lines.
Mbour — Diogo Mineral Sand Mine (Senegal)
Mbour
A bustling fishing port on the Petite Côte, famous for its vibrant daily fish market and authentic local atmosphere.
Saly — Diogo Mineral Sand Mine (Senegal)
Saly
Senegal's premier seaside resort on the Petite Côte, known for palm-lined beaches and luxury resorts.
Lompoul Desert — Diogo Mineral Sand Mine (Senegal)
Lompoul Desert
A captivating area of high, orange sand dunes offering an authentic desert experience in the heart of Senegal.

History & landmarks

Great Mosque of Tivaouane — Diogo Mineral Sand Mine (Senegal)
Great Mosque of Tivaouane
The most important religious center of the Tijaniyyah order in Senegal, attracting thousands of pilgrims annually at the Maouloud festival.
Keur Moussa Abbey — Diogo Mineral Sand Mine (Senegal)
Keur Moussa Abbey
A Benedictine monastery in the Thiès region, famous for its spiritual chants blending African instruments with Gregorian chant.
Bandia Reserve — Diogo Mineral Sand Mine (Senegal)
Bandia Reserve
A privately owned nature reserve offering an exciting safari experience with many of Africa's iconic large animals.
Basilica of Popenguine — Diogo Mineral Sand Mine (Senegal)
Basilica of Popenguine
An important Catholic sanctuary in Popenguine, attracting thousands of pilgrims from across the country each year.

More places

Santhiou Mékhé Solar Plant — Diogo Mineral Sand Mine (Senegal)
Santhiou Mékhé Solar Plant
The Ten Merina facility in Santhiou Mékhé is a large photovoltaic park in the Thiès region.
Mboro Phosphate Mine — Diogo Mineral Sand Mine (Senegal)
Mboro Phosphate Mine
An important mining area for calcium phosphates, contributing to Senegalese fertilizer production.
Darou Khoudoss Phosphate Plant — Diogo Mineral Sand Mine (Senegal)
Darou Khoudoss Phosphate Plant
The Industries Chimiques du Sénégal operates a large phosphate plant here.
Taiba Ndiaye Wind Farm — Diogo Mineral Sand Mine (Senegal)
Taiba Ndiaye Wind Farm
The wind farm in Taiba Ndiaye is the largest wind energy project in West Africa.
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Tobène Power Plant
An independent power project that uses heavy fuel oil to stabilize the Senegalese electricity grid.
Thiès poultry farm — Diogo Mineral Sand Mine (Senegal)
Thiès poultry farm
A significant poultry farm that provides fresh eggs for the region.
Thiès Forest — Diogo Mineral Sand Mine (Senegal)
Thiès Forest
A protected forest area in the Thiès region.
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Thiès Plateau
A prominent plateau near the coast that dominates the hinterland.