Mount Ijill

inselberg, Mauritania

Also known as: Kediet Ijill

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

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An inselberg is an isolated mountain that rises abruptly from a well-developed plain, appearing like an island in a sea. These features are remnants of past landscapes that have been lowered by erosion over millions of years.12

In Mauritania, inselbergs are part of the country's relief, particularly in the northern and northwestern regions where ancient Precambrian rock emerges. The highest inselberg in Mauritania is Mount Ijill, an immense block of hematite that reaches 3,002 feet (915 meters). These steep-sided residual hills punctuate the vast plains and plateaus of the country.3

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Mauritania
Relief
…of which the highest is Mount Ijill at 3,002 feet (915 metres), an enormous block of hematite.
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…of which the highest is Mount Ijill at 3,002 feet (915 metres), an enormous block of hematite.
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Sahara
Resources
…ore, and the reserves at Mount Ijill, in western Mauritania, are substantial; less extensive deposits have been found in Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Western Sahara, and Niger. Near Akjoujt, in southwestern Mauritania, lie substantial quantities of copper ore; extensive manganese deposits occur south of Béchar,
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…ore, and the reserves at Mount Ijill, in western Mauritania, are substantial; less extensive deposits have been found in Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Western Sahara, and Niger. Near Akjoujt, in southwestern Mauritania, lie substantial quantities of copper ore; extensive manganese deposits occur south of Béchar,
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