Mount Kourou Diakouma
Saraya, Kédougou Region, Senegal
Key Information
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Mount Kourou Diakouma is in Saraya, Kédougou Region, Senegal, near the Mali border, in the Falémé River basin.
It is known for senegalite, a rare aluminum phosphate, and other minerals like turquoise and crandallite.
The geological structure includes ancient Birimian rocks with an iron deposit, where minerals form in oxidized zones.
Mining history focuses on specimen collection, with senegalite first described in 1976; large-scale iron mining is unclear.
The area has a rich cultural mix of Pulaar, Bassari, Bedik, Diakhanké, and Malinké groups, with ecotourism attractions like Dindefelo Falls.
The climate is tropical, with a wet season from July to October and a dry season, supporting savanna woodlands.
Geographic Location
Mount Kourou Diakouma sits in Saraya, within Senegal's Kédougou Region, in the eastern part near the Mali border, nestled in the Falémé River basin. This location, about 700 km from Dakar, is part of a region known for its diverse ethnic groups, including Pulaar, Bassari, Bedik, Diakhanké, and Malinké, each contributing to a vibrant cultural landscape.
Minerals Produced
The locality is famous for senegalite, a rare aluminum phosphate, first described here, making it the type locality. Other minerals found include augelite, chalcopyrite, copper, crandallite, goethite, hematite, mackinawite, magnetite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, strengite (questionable), turquoise, variscite, and wavellite. Senegalite and turquoise, with their vibrant colors, are particularly prized by collectors.
Geological Structure and Formation
The area's geology features Paleoproterozoic Birimian rocks, volcanic and sedimentary, intruded by granite during the Eburnean orogeny. The iron deposit at Mount Kourou Diakouma likely hosts these rocks, with minerals like senegalite forming in oxidized zones through weathering processes, creating a rich tapestry of secondary phosphates.
Mining History
While identified as an iron deposit, large-scale iron mining at Mount Kourou Diakouma is not well-documented. Instead, it is known for mineral specimen collection, with senegalite first noted in 1976. Recent rediscoveries have brought new specimens to light, attracting collectors rather than industrial miners.
Local Culture and Characteristics
The Kédougou Region is culturally diverse, with ethnic groups like Bassari and Bedik maintaining unique traditions. Ecotourism thrives here, with attractions like Dindefelo Falls and Niokolo-Koba National Park, offering a glimpse into the area's natural and cultural heritage, distinct from Senegal's coastal regions.
Climate and Ecology
The climate is tropical, with a wet season from July to October bringing significant rainfall and a dry season for the rest of the year. Temperatures average around 28°C in the wet season, cooler in the dry. The ecology features savanna woodlands and dry woodlands, supporting diverse flora and fauna adapted to seasonal changes.