Tanzania diamond mines map showing major mining areas (Williamson/Mwadui, Shinyanga field)

Historic Diamond Fields & Mines in Guinea

Guinea’s diamond history is rooted in extensive alluvial deposits worked since the mid-20th century across the country’s southeast. Activity has concentrated in the Kankan Region—especially the Banankoro–Kérouané belt—along with parts of Kissidougou and Macenta. The best-known industrial operation was the Aredor (Redor) alluvial concession near Kérouané, noted for high-quality large stones from river and terrace gravels. Sources: USGS Minerals Yearbook (Guinea); Mindat locality notes; Kimberley Process country summaries.

Aredor (Redor) — Kérouané–Banankoro (Kankan Region)

An industrial alluvial project that operated intermittently from the 1980s under various ownerships, Aredor/Redor exploited paleo-channel and terrace gravels and gained a reputation for exceptional, large gem diamonds. Output fluctuated with market conditions, security, and water management, with periods of care-and-maintenance between shorter production campaigns. Sources: USGS Minerals Yearbook (Guinea); Mindat “Aredor (Redor) diamond mine”.

Banankoro & Kérouané Artisanal Districts

Surrounding Banankoro and across Kérouané Prefecture, extensive ASM (artisanal and small-scale mining) works river bars and older terrace gravels with seasonal variability. Local cooperatives and buyers feed regional trading centers; production quality ranges from industrial goods to fine gem whites and occasional fancies. Sources: USGS country profiles; Kimberley Process participant reporting (Guinea).



Other Fields — Kissidougou & Macenta

Smaller alluvial and eluvial occurrences extend into Kissidougou and parts of Macenta (Nzérékoré Region). Numerous reconnaissance programs have tested for primary kimberlite sources, but Guinea’s production remains predominantly alluvial, with no long-lived large kimberlite open pits documented to date. Sources: USGS Minerals Yearbook; government and academic summaries on Guinea alluvial fields.

Mining methods: Alluvial washing (sluices, jigging), gravel pumping, hand-dug pits, and small mechanized plants dominate. Water management, site rehabilitation, and traceability remain ongoing challenges where ASM is prevalent. Source: USGS Minerals Yearbook (Guinea); ASM overviews.

Guinea’s Most Historic & Notable Diamonds

Mouawad Magic — Aredor (Redor), Guinea

Rough: 284.6 ct (found at the Aredor/Redor alluvial mine, Kérouané Prefecture, Guinea). Cut: 108.81 ct emerald-cut, D color, IF (Internally Flawless). Cut & owner: Mouawad; named by Robert Mouawad. Notes: Among the largest D-color emerald-cut diamonds known. Sources: Mouawad (official); Famous Diamonds (origin & rough).

Mouawad Magic Diamond

Aredor Large Stones (1980s–1990s)

The Aredor/Redor fields yielded multiple 100+ ct high-clarity stones that attracted premium prices on international markets. Many sales were private, but the district’s reputation for large, fine whites (and occasional fancy colors) is well recorded in trade and geology notes. Sources: USGS Minerals Yearbook; industry press cited therein.

Banankoro–Kérouané Notables

Periodic reports from buyers and local authorities describe significant single-crystal finds from Banankoro terrace gravels. Documentation is sporadic, but the area remains Guinea’s most consistent source of gem diamonds. Sources: USGS country chapters; Kimberley Process reporting.



Compliance note

Guinea participates in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which governs exports of rough diamonds to prevent conflict-diamond trade. Export parcels require KP certification in accordance with national regulations. Sources: Kimberley Process participants list; national mining/trade regulations.

For information on famous diamonds, visit our Diamond Page.

Datasets: U.S. Geological Survey, Major Mineral Deposits of the World, Open-File Report 2005-1294. Data portal