Mining Introduction | Leading Mine

The small West African country of Guinea has followed in the footsteps of its neighbours Ghana and Mali with a growing gold production profile in recent years. According to GFMS, Guinea is now the sixth largest producer in Africa, with output of 16.5 tonnes (0.53 million oz) in 2001. Production was boosted with the opening in 1998 of the Siguiri heap leach operation, run by Ghana-based Ashanti. The mine reached full production in 2000 and produced almost 9 tonnes (0.28 million oz) last year. The country's other large gold mine, Kenor's Lero/Karta mine, has been operating since 1995. Production at Lero increased strongly recently due to the addition of material from the nearby Fayalala deposit. Last year, it produced 3.3 tonnes (0.11 million oz) of gold.

Guinea's output will be further boosted this year by the new Kiniero mine, which commenced operations in April 2002 and will aim to produce 2 tonnes (0.06 million oz) per year. The country also has a number of small alluvial operations which make a modest contribution to overall gold output.