DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Jebel Djerissa Iron Mine

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
—°1
Jebel Djerissa Iron Mine (Tunisia)

Weather…

The Jebel Djerissa iron mine in the Le Kef governorate is one of Tunisia's most significant historical mining sites. The extraction of high-grade iron ore began here in the early 20th century under French colonial rule. For decades, the mine supplied raw materials to the European steel industry and later to the national El Fouladh steelworks. Geologically, the deposit is renowned for its siderite and hematite ores, which feature a notably high iron content. Although production has declined in recent years due to the depletion of accessible reserves, Djerissa remains a powerful symbol of the country's industrial heritage. The mining architecture and the old loading infrastructure stand as witnesses to a bygone era of industrial peak. Today, efforts are being made to find alternative economic uses for the area, while small-scale mining continues. The community of Djerissa is inextricably linked to the history and future of the mine.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C781114182327262218128
Rain mm795877554121112554595875

📋 Practical info

🏭
What is this place?
The Jebel Djerissa Iron Mine is a historically significant mine that supplied high-quality iron ore for decades. It played a central role in Tunisia's economy and industrial development.
🚪
Visiting
The mine is now largely disused and not open to the public due to safety hazards. From the road, the old facilities and characteristic red slag heaps are visible.
👀
Where to view it
Best viewpoints are the surrounding hills, offering an overview of the entire mine complex and landscape. The access road also provides good views of the rock formations.
🧺
Local products
Ore mining is now minimal in the region, but rock samples and minerals can still be found. Nearby local markets offer Tunisian handicrafts and agricultural products.
📆
Active season
The mine was mainly active during the 20th century, peaking between the 1920s and 1970s. Today, only occasional exploration work takes place, typically during drier months.
➕
Nearby
Combine your visit with the town of El Kef and its historic sites. The Jebel Djerissa nature reserve also gives hiking opportunities in a unique landscape.

Geography

Coordinates
35.83100, 8.63100

Facts

  • Industrial extraction at the site officially commenced in 1907.
  • Djerissa ore was famous for its exceptionally low phosphorus content.
  • The mine was once the largest employer in northwestern Tunisia.
  • A dedicated railway line was constructed to transport ore to the coast.
  • The mine is named after the region's highest peak, Jebel Djerissa.
  • The Société du Djebel Djerissa continues to manage the site today.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Sra Ouertane Phosphate MineSra Ouertane Phosphate Mine6 km · NExplore →
Atlas Mountains Wildlife ReserveAtlas Mountains Wildlife Reserve12 km · WExplore →
ThalaThala29 km · SExplore →
Haidra Archaeological SiteHaidra Archaeological Site33 km · SWExplore →
Bougrine Zinc and Lead MineBougrine Zinc and Lead Mine35 km · NExplore →
Atlas MountainsAtlas Mountains39 km · SExplore →
El KefEl Kef39 km · NExplore →
MetuMetu41 km · SWExplore →

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 in the town Jebel Djerissa Iron Mine (1)

Jérissa📍 landmark

Jérissa is a mining town in northwestern Tunisia, site of a major iron ore mine.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Jebel Djerissa iron mine?
A historic mine in Tunisia that was once an important source of iron ore.
Is the place still active?
Industrial extraction has largely ceased.
Can one visit the mine?
It is not a tourist site; the infrastructure is old and not secured.
Why is the place historically important?
Jebel Djerissa played a central role in the development of the Tunisian heavy industry.
Where is Jebel Djerissa located?
It is located in the hilly interior of Tunisia.
Jebel Djerissa Iron Mine: where is it located?
Jebel Djerissa Iron Mine is located in Tunisia.
Jebel Djerissa Iron Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Jebel Djerissa Iron Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Jebel Djerissa iron mine in the Le Kef governorate is one of Tunisia's most significant historical mining sites.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in Tunisia →

Nearby cities

El Kef — Jebel Djerissa Iron Mine (Tunisia)
El Kef
A historical city in the northwest with an impressive Byzantine kasbah.
Thala — Jebel Djerissa Iron Mine (Tunisia)
Thala
One of the highest cities in Tunisia, which played an important role during the revolution.
Metu — Jebel Djerissa Iron Mine (Tunisia)
Metu
A historic town in the west, once a major market for coffee and honey.
Bedele — Jebel Djerissa Iron Mine (Tunisia)
Bedele
A town in the Buno Bedele Zone of the Oromia Region, known for its brewery.
Tébessa — Jebel Djerissa Iron Mine (Tunisia)
Tébessa
Tébessa is a city near the Tunisian border known for its well-preserved Roman ruins.
Siliana — Jebel Djerissa Iron Mine (Tunisia)
Siliana
A regional agricultural center in central-northern Tunisia.
Kasserine — Jebel Djerissa Iron Mine (Tunisia)
Kasserine
A strategically important city in western-central Tunisia near the mountainous region.
Jendouba — Jebel Djerissa Iron Mine (Tunisia)
Jendouba
A significant agricultural city near the border with Algeria.
Souk Ahras — Jebel Djerissa Iron Mine (Tunisia)
Souk Ahras
Souk Ahras, ancient Thagaste, was the birthplace of Saint Augustine.

More places

🗺️
Sra Ouertane Phosphate Mine
A major unexploited phosphate deposit in the northwest, representing future mining potential.
Bougrine Zinc and Lead Mine — Jebel Djerissa Iron Mine (Tunisia)
Bougrine Zinc and Lead Mine
An important active underground mine extracting base metals in the mountainous northwest region.
Atlas Mountains Wildlife Reserve — Jebel Djerissa Iron Mine (Tunisia)
Atlas Mountains Wildlife Reserve
A wild protected area offering refuge to numerous endemic animal species of the Atlas region.
Haidra Archaeological Site — Jebel Djerissa Iron Mine (Tunisia)
Haidra Archaeological Site
The ancient Roman fortress city of Ammaedara, which houses one of the largest Byzantine castles in North Africa.
Atlas Mountains — Jebel Djerissa Iron Mine (Tunisia)
Atlas Mountains
An extensive mountain system in North Africa that extends through Tunisia.
🗺️
Ouenza Iron Mine
One of the oldest and largest iron ore mines in Algeria, supplying the El Hadjar steel complex.
🗺️
Boukhadra Iron Mine
An important mining area in eastern Algeria which, alongside Ouenza, supports the national steel production.
Maktaris Archaeological Site — Jebel Djerissa Iron Mine (Tunisia)
Maktaris Archaeological Site
An ancient Numidian and Roman settlement, known for its monumental Arch of Trajan and forum.