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Tongo Diamond Mine
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The Tongo Diamond Mine, located in eastern Sierra Leone, is a significant mining operation focusing on the extraction of high-quality diamonds from kimberlite dykes. Situated within the Kenema District, the area has a long history of alluvial mining, but recent industrial efforts have shifted toward primary deposits. The mine is currently being developed by Newfield Resources Limited under the Tongo-Tonguma project, which targets a substantial resource base with a projected mine life of over 15 years. Implementation involves modern open-workings and the development of underground declines to access high-grade kimberlite ore. The project is seen as a vital driver for regional economic growth, introducing advanced diamond recovery technology to the area. All operations at Tongo strictly adhere to international standards, including the Kimberley Process, ensuring that the gemstones produced are conflict-free and ethically sourced.
- Location: Sierra Leone
- Nearby: Panguma (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 26 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 25 |
| Rain mm | 1 | 7 | 16 | 45 | 116 | 298 | 401 | 457 | 355 | 177 | 52 | 7 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
Tongo Diamond Mine is a prominent mining site in eastern Sierra Leone, extracting both industrial and gem-quality diamonds. It plays a significant role in the country's diamond exports and local employment.
Visiting
The mine is a secure industrial site and not open to the public for safety and security reasons. Visitors can only view the surrounding area from public roads, with restricted access to the mining zone.
Where to view it
The best viewpoints are from the road passing through the Tongo region, where the mining operations and tailings can be seen in the distance. Elevated areas in the surrounding hills offer broader panoramas of the mining landscape.
Local products
Diamonds are the primary product, but they are not sold locally in raw form. Visitors may encounter artisanal mining activities and small-scale trading in nearby towns like Tongo itself.
Active season
Mining activities continue throughout the year, with peak operations during the dry season (November to April) when access roads are more passable. The wet season (May-October) can slow operations.
Nearby
Combine a visit to Tongo Diamond Mine with the nearby Kono district's other diamond mining areas and the Moa River. The town of Koidu (Sefadu) provides accommodations and further insights into the diamond trade.
Geography
Facts
- The Tongo-Tonguma project covers eleven identified kimberlite dykes.
- Newfield Resources Limited is the lead developer of the current project.
- The projected mine life for the Tongo operations exceeds 15 years.
- Tongo diamonds are known for their high average value per carat.
- The total diamond resource is estimated at over 7 million carats.
- The facility employs advanced optical sorting technology for diamond recovery.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Tongo Diamond Mine (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the Tongo diamond mine?
No, it is a closed industrial mining zone.
What is mined in Tongo?
High-quality kimberlite diamonds are mainly mined here.
How do you reach this region?
Mostly via very long, unpaved roads from the inland.
Is the region developed for tourism?
No, any tourist infrastructure and accommodation are lacking.
Is there medical care there?
Very limited, a personal medical kit is strongly recommended.
Tongo Diamond Mine: where is it located?
Tongo Diamond Mine is located in Sierra Leone.
Tongo Diamond Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Tongo Diamond Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Tongo Diamond Mine, located in eastern Sierra Leone, is a significant mining operation focusing on the extraction of high-quality diamonds from kimberlite dykes.
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Nearby cities
Kenema
Kenema is the largest city in eastern Sierra Leone and the center of the diamond industry.
Koidu
Koidu is the capital of Kono District and the heart of diamond mining in Sierra Leone.
Segbwema
Segbwema is a significant town in eastern Sierra Leone and a major trading center for agricultural products.
Kailahun
Kailahun is the capital of the district of the same name and a major agricultural center.
Yengema
Yengema is a mining town in Kono District known for its diamond wealth.
Pendembu
Pendembu is a significant town in Kailahun District known for its agricultural importance.
Blama
Blama is a significant town in Kenema District and a center for trade in agricultural products.
Panguma
Panguma is a town in Kenema District known for its health centers and agriculture.
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Bunumbu
Bunumbu is primarily known as an educational center in eastern Sierra Leone.
Daru
Daru is a town in Kailahun District known for its strategic military importance.
Tongo
Tongo is a significant center for diamond mining in Kenema District.
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Gandorhun
Gandorhun is a town in Kono District known for its diamond mining.
Boajibu
Boajibu is a town in Kenema District that functions as a local commercial center.
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Jaiama-Sewafe
Jaiama-Sewafe is an important mining town in Kono District.
Barma
Barma is a small but growing town in Kenema District, important for agricultural production.
History & landmarks
Nature
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Kenema Cocoa Nurseries
In the shade of tall forest trees, young cocoa saplings grow before being distributed to plantations in the fertile east.
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Nimini Hills
The Nimini Hills are a rugged mountain range in the east, known for their geological diversity.
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Dodo Hydroelectric Plant
An important hydroelectric power plant in eastern Sierra Leone, supplying electricity to the city of Kenema.
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Gola Forest North
The northern part of the Gola Forest encompasses some of the densest and most pristine areas of the park.
Koidu Diamond Mine
The largest diamond mine in Sierra Leone, producing high-quality gemstones from kimberlite pipes.