| Saint-Élie | |
| Commune Status: | Commune |
| Map Size: | 220px |
| Adjustable Map: | Locator map of Saint-Élie 2022.png |
| Map Caption: | Location of the commune (in red) within French Guiana |
| Arrondissement: | Cayenne |
| Insee: | 97358 |
| Postal Code: | 97312 |
| Mayor: | Véronique Jacaria[1] |
| Term: | 2020 - 2026 |
| Intercommunality: | CC des Savanes |
| Coordinates: | 4.8227°N -53.2764°W |
| Elevation Max M: | 32.54 |
| Area Km2: | 5680 |
Saint-Élie (pronounced as /fr/; label=[[French Guianese Creole]]|Sentéli) is a commune of French Guiana, an overseas department and region of France 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.
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 in order to access the Sinnamary River.[3]
The railway line needed frequent repairs, and had over 100 bridges. In 1990, the railway line was abandoned when a road opened.[4] The roads ends near Saint-Nazaire, and a 45-minute ferry to Petit-Saut Dam is needed to reach the outside world.[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]
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]