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Moma Titanium Mine
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The Moma Titanium Mine, located on the coast of Nampula Province, is one of the world's largest facilities for the extraction of mineral sands. Operated by the Irish company Kenmare Resources, the mine processes vast coastal deposits to recover ilmenite, rutile, and zircon. The extraction utilizes an innovative wet-dredging process on artificial ponds, which allows for the efficient separation of heavy minerals. These raw materials are essential components in the global production of pigments, ceramics, and titanium metal. Since starting production in 2007, the mine has become a cornerstone of the economy in northern Mozambique. Kenmare has established its own comprehensive infrastructure at the site, including a dedicated export jetty for direct shipping of processed minerals. The project emphasizes environmental sustainability, with a continuous land rehabilitation program to restore mined areas. Moma is a significant source of foreign exchange and provides stable employment for the local population.
- Location: Mozambique
- Nearby: Angoche (87 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 29 |
| Rain mm | 327 | 186 | 164 | 94 | 27 | 26 | 34 | 14 | 7 | 22 | 52 | 175 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
This heavy mineral sands mine on the Mozambican coast is a globally significant source of titanium feedstocks. Its extraction of ilmenite, rutile and zircon supports international pigment and metal production, making it a cornerstone of the region's industrial economy.
Visiting
The mine is a secure industrial site and is not open to casual visitors. However, one can typically view the large-scale mining operations from public access points along the coastal road.
Where to view it
The best public viewpoints are from the beach near the mine perimeter or from elevated dunes along the coastline. From these spots, visitors can observe the heavy machinery and mineral separation plants at a distance.
Local products
While the mine itself produces only industrial minerals, the surrounding coastal area has local markets with fresh seafood, cashew nuts, and coconut products. During certain seasons, travellers might also find ripe mangoes and other tropical fruits sold by roadside vendors.
Active season
The mine operates year-round, but activity peaks during the dry season from April to November when overland access is most reliable. The shipping of concentrates via the nearby coastal port is typically most frequent in this period.
Nearby
A visit to the Moma mine area can be combined with coastal tours of the nearby Quirimbas National Park or the historic town of Angoche. The pristine beaches and mangrove ecosystems offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching and local fishing excursions.
Geography
Facts
- The mine accounts for approximately 7% of the global supply of ilmenite.
- Extraction is carried out using three large floating dredges on artificial ponds.
- The facility is powered via a dedicated 170 km long 110kV transmission line.
- Ilmenite is primarily used as a feedstock for titanium dioxide pigment production.
- Kenmare Resources has invested over 1 billion US dollars in the Moma operation.
- The mine uses its own transshipment vessels to load large ocean-going ships offshore.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Moma Titanium Mine (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is extracted in the Moma mine?
Mainly heavy mineral sands like ilmenite, rutile, and zircon.
Is the titanium mine accessible to tourists?
No, it is a purely industrial mining site with no tourist infrastructure.
Why is Moma economically significant?
It is one of the world's largest producers of titanium minerals.
Where is the mining area located?
On the coast of the Nampula province in northeastern Mozambique.
Are there tourist highlights nearby?
The coastal region features pristine beaches, but is little developed in terms of infrastructure.
Moma Titanium Mine: where is it located?
Moma Titanium Mine is located in Mozambique.
Moma Titanium Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Moma Titanium Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Moma Titanium Mine, located on the coast of Nampula Province, is one of the world's largest facilities for the extraction of mineral sands.
Explore with Plizio
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Nearby cities
Nampula
Major commercial hub and the largest city in northern Mozambique.
Nampula-a-Velha
A neighborhood and historical area of the larger Nampula city.
Nacala
Known for its deep-water natural port, one of the best on the east coast of Africa.
Angoche
A historic coastal town in Nampula Province with a strong Islamic heritage.
Ilha de Moçambique
A historic island city and former capital, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Ribáuè
A town in Nampula Province situated in a mountainous landscape.
Namapa
An agricultural town located in the Eráti district of Nampula.
Malema
A district capital and key agricultural center in Nampula Province.
Monapo
A district capital and agricultural hub in Nampula Province.
Chocas-Mar
An idyllic stretch of beach with white sand and crystal-clear water, perfect for a relaxing retreat on the Indian Ocean.
History & landmarks
More places
Ruins of the Angoche Sultanate
The remaining traces of an independent Afro-Islamic sultanate that existed until 1910.
🗺️
Port of Angoche
A historic coastal port in Nampula province that primarily serves the fishing industry and coastal trade.
Nampula Textile Factory
A revitalized manufacturing plant processing locally grown cotton.
Nampula Cathedral
An impressive modern cathedral in northern Mozambique with striking twin towers.
Fort of São Lourenço
A small fort on a tiny island south of the Island of Mozambique, built for defense.
Palace of São Paulo
The former residence of the governors of Mozambique on the Island of Mozambique.
Fort of São Sebastião
The oldest complete fort in sub-Saharan Africa, on the Island of Mozambique.
Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte
Considered the oldest European building in the Southern Hemisphere.