Syama Gold Mine
The world's first purpose-built fully automated underground gold mine in southern Mali.
Syama is a gold mining complex in southern Mali owned and operated by Resolute Mining Limited. It comprises an underground mine, an open-pit oxide operation, and a sulphide processing plant. Syama made history as the world's first fully automated underground mine, deploying Sandvik's AutoMine system for autonomous loading and haulage. The mine produced approximately 226,000 ounces of gold in 2023 across both underground and oxide operations.
- 01Operate the world's first fully automated underground gold mine
- 02Optimize sulphide ore processing through the roaster and CIL plant
- 03Maintain gold production above 200,000 ounces per year
- 04Extend mine life through near-mine exploration and resource expansion
- 05Reduce operating costs through automation and operational efficiency
- 06Develop the Syama oxide deposits for additional low-cost production
1990 · completed
Initial Production
Syama commenced gold production as an open-pit oxide mine under BHP.
2014 · completed
Resolute Acquisition
Resolute Mining acquired and began redeveloping the Syama underground project.
2018 · completed
Underground Production
The new underground mine achieved first ore production.
2019 · completed
Full Automation
Syama became the world's first fully automated underground gold mine using Sandvik AutoMine technology.
2023 · completed
Stabilized Production
The mine delivered approximately 226,000 ounces as the underground and oxide operations both contributed.
2025 · in progress
Optimization Programs
Ongoing optimization of the underground mine and processing plant to improve recovery and throughput.
Mineral Resource
Gold Mineral Resource
Total mineral resource of approximately 9.5 million ounces of gold across the Syama complex.
Processing Plant
Sulphide Processing Plant
A 2.4 Mtpa processing plant with a fluidized-bed roaster and CIL circuit for refractory sulphide ore.
Processing Plant
Oxide Processing Plant
Dedicated oxide processing circuit including crushing, milling, and heap leach pads.
Mining Equipment
Autonomous Underground Fleet
Fleet of Sandvik loaders and trucks operating autonomously via the AutoMine system with teleremote supervision.
- Sandvik AutoMine fully autonomous underground loading and haulage
- Sub-level open stoping mining method
- Fluidized-bed roaster for refractory sulphide ore
- Carbon-in-leach (CIL) gold recovery
- Oxide heap leach processing
- Autonomous teleremote operation centre
What it means for the community
Syama employs over 2,800 people directly, with the vast majority being Malian nationals. The mine is the largest private employer in the Sikasso Region and has invested significantly in local infrastructure including roads, healthcare facilities, and education programs. Automation technology pioneered at Syama is setting the standard for the global mining industry's transition to autonomous operations.
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- Resolute Mining Limited (80%)
- Government of Mali (20%)
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