Elméki
Elméki | |
|---|---|
Elméki Location in Niger | |
| Coordinates: 17°44′15″N 8°16′34″E / 17.73750°N 8.27611°E: | |
| Country | Niger |
| Region | Agadez |
| Department | Tchirozérine |
Elméki, also El Meki, El Mekki, El Mecki or Inzareg, is a small town in the Aïr Massif mountains in the Agadez Region of central-northern Niger, about 90 kilometres (56 mi) by air northwest of Agadez, and about 19 kilometres (12 mi) by air northwest of Aouderas. The area is inhabited by Tuareg nomads.[1] The area is known for its mining activities, particularly tin, emeralds and beryl.
Geography
Elméki is situated in the Aïr Massif mountains in the Agadez Region in the central-northern part of the country. By air it is about 90 kilometres (56 mi) northwest of Agadez, and about 19 kilometres (12 mi) northwest of Aouderas.[2] The Wadi Kodri is in the vicinity and Kodri mountain lies immediately to the northwest of the town, with an elevation of 727 metres (2,385 ft).[3]
Economy
The Elméki area is known for its mining activity, particularly tin and artisanal mining for beryl and emeralds.[4] Cassiterite and columbite (niobite) are also found here.[5] The Société Minière du Niger (SMDN) has been involved with mining in Elméki.[6] In the 1990s there were plans to build the Elméki Dam across the river at Elméki to generate hydroelectric power.[7]
Landmarks
The town contains the Elméki Integrated Health Centre.[8]
References
- ^ Solar Eclipse Bulletin Program for Observations of the Solar Eclipse (1973), National Science Foundation (U.S.), University of Michigan, p.29
- ^ "Elméki" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved 16 September 2025.
- ^ "Kodri". GeoNames. Retrieved 16 September 2025.
- ^ Pardieu, Vincent & Leroux, Sylvain & Sangsawong, Supharart & Raynaud, Victoria & Luetrakulprawat, Sarocha. (2022). Emeralds from Air Mountains ( Niger ). 2. 17-27.
- ^ "Mémoires du Bureau de recherches géologiques et minières, Issues 48-49" (in French). Bureau de recherches géologiques et minières, Édition du B.R.G.M. 1967. p. 29.
- ^ Proceedings of the First Regional Conference on the Development and Utilization of Mineral Resources in Africa, Arusha, 2-6 February 1981. United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. 1981. p. 220.
- ^ Repertoire bibliographique sur l'hydraulique au Niger, Issue 2 (in French). L'Centre d'information et de documentation de l'hydraulique et de l'environnement (Niger). 1998. p. 18.
- ^ "Elméki Integrated Health Centre". Doctor4africa.com. Retrieved 16 September 2025.