town, southeastern Gabon. It lies along the road from Lastoursville to Franceville. Uranium was discovered in the locality in 1956, exploitation began in 1961, and in 1968 mining changed from quarry to underground. The ore, which is of a superior grade, is sold to France for processing, although Mounana has its own processing plant for uranium concentrates. Extensive manganese deposits are mined at Mouanda, 13 miles (20 km) south. Pop. (1993) 6,372.