Saint-Élie
Saint-Élie | |
---|---|
![]() The Petit-Saut Dam, north-east of the commune | |
Location of the commune (in red) within French Guiana | |
Coordinates: 4°49′22″N 53°16′35″W / 4.8227°N 53.2764°W | |
Country | France |
Overseas region and department | French Guiana |
Arrondissement | Cayenne |
Intercommunality | CC des Savanes |
Government | |
• Mayor (2014-2020) | Véronique Jacaria |
Area 1 | 5,680 km2 (2,190 sq mi) |
Population (2021)[1] | 241 |
• Density | 0.042/km2 (0.11/sq mi) |
Time zone | UTC−03:00 |
INSEE/Postal code | 97358 /97312 |
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. |
Saint-Élie is a commune of French Guiana, an overseas region and department of France located in South America. In 1930, Saint-Élie became capital of the Inini territory.[2] From 1953 onward, the commune was called Centre. In 1969, it was renamed to Saint-Élie.[3]
History
In 1873, gold was discovered in Saint-Élie. The mines were in the middle of the rain forest with no river connection to the outside world. In 1884 construction began on a Decauville railway line to Gare Tigre near Saint-Nazaire.[4] The railway line needed frequent repairs, and had over 100 bridges. In 1990, the railway line was abandoned when a road opened.[5]
Gold is still the backbone of the economy. The gold mines are currently being exploited by Newmont Mining Corporation.[6] In 1989, construction started on the Petit-Saut Dam to produce hydroelectric power. The dam was completed in 1994.[7]
Nature
In 1996, La Trinité National Nature Reserve was founded. It covers 76,903 hectares and is primary tropical rain forest located in the heart of the Guyana plateau forest.[8]
Villages
See also
References
- ^ "Populations légales 2021" (in French). The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 28 December 2023.
- ^ "South America 1930: Vargas Revolution". Omni Atlas. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
- ^ "Mairie Saint-Élie". Mairie Saint-Élie (in French). Retrieved 4 June 2020.
- ^ "Industrial Railways in French Guiana, 2014". International Steam. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
- ^ "Quand la Guyane voulait son chemin de fer" (PDF). Alliance Francophone Internationale du Tourisme et des Voyages (in French). Retrieved 4 June 2020.
- ^ "CME Announces Agreement with Newmont on its Esperance Project and Seeks a Partner for its Saint-Elie Property in French Guiana". Globe News Wire. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
- ^ "Petit Saut Dam". Structurae.net. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
- ^ "Historique Réserve Naturelle La Trinité" (in French). Retrieved 4 June 2020.
External links
- Official website (in French)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)