On October 19, 2024, Côte d’Ivoire celebrated the inauguration of its 13th mine d’or industrial, located in Lafigué, in the department of Dabakala. This ceremony was marked by a festive atmosphere and the presence of several personalities, including the Grand Chancellor of the National Order, Ally Coulibaly, and the minister of Mines, Oil and Energy, Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly.
Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly stressed that the inauguration of this new mine demonstrates the growing attractiveness of the Ivorian mining sector, which continues to develop with regular discoveries of minerals. According to the ministerthis mine is the fourth inaugurated in recent years, after those of Yaouré, Séguéla and Grégbeu-Zaibo. The mining code adopted in 2014, he recalls, played a key role in this dynamism. He also announced a significant reform of this code to encourage more prosperous and sustainable exploitation.
The Lafigué gold mine, which will begin production in 2025, is expected to produce 5.6 tonnes of gold per year, or approximately 66 tonnes over its entire operating life. This projectt should generate nearly 400 billion FCFA in revenue for the Ivorian state. Furthermore, local populations, through the Local Mining Development Committee (CDLM), will benefit from direct investments of at least 8 billion FCFA, of which 272 million FCFA were handed over during the inauguration ceremony. The mine is also expected to create around 500 jobs direct and more than 1000 jobs indirect.
Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly called on local populations to take ownership of this projectt and to support the activities of the mine. He insisted on the importance of preserving a climate of peace and good cohabitation around the mine to guarantee long-term benefits. THE minister also spoke of the need to combat illegal gold panning, a practice that can harm the environment and the economy. He assured that his ministry was ready to support local actors in this fight.
Partnership with Endeavor Mining
Ian Cockerill, CEO of Endeavor Mining, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration with the Ivorian government and highlighted the importance of this projectt for the company. The Lafigué mine is expected to produce around 200,000 ounces of gold per year by the end of 2025, with an estimated contribution of 380 billion FCFA to the Ivorian state over a ten-year period. Endeavor Mining, already established in Ivory Coast with another mine in Ity, continues to strengthen its partnership with the country. The company has big ambitions for the Hambol region, where it has launched vocational training and employability programs for young people and adults from local communities. Ian Cockerill also announced support funds for projectts social services, in collaboration with local authorities.
A Positive Impact on Local Development
Grand Chancellor Ally Coulibaly praised the impact of the mine on the development of the Hambol region. He insisted on the importance of management of projectt by the Local Mining Development Committee (CDLM), in order to prevent conflicts and ensure that the spirit of collective development is preserved. Note that the CDLM, made up of executives, village chiefs and other local stakeholders, received a check for 272 million FCFA from Endeavor Mining to support local development initiatives.
In conclusion, the inauguration of the Lafigué gold mine marks a turning point for the Ivorian mining sector, with significant economic benefits for the State and development opportunities for local populations. This initiative strengthens the position of Côte d’Ivoire as a major player in mining in West Africa.
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