Ivory Coast is increasingly establishing itself as a key player in the gold industry in West Africa. The recent discovery of a deposit of 1.59 million ounces of gold in the region of Bagoué, in the north of the country, reinforces this ambition. This announcement, made on December 30 by the mining company Gold Resourcesmarks an important step in the exploitation of Ivorian mining resources and demonstrates the dynamism of the sector.
The Boundiali project, led by Aurum Resources, an Australian company backed by Chinese capital, stands out for its potential contribution to the expansion of the Ivorian mining industry. With five deposits identified to date, this new discovery highlights the geological attractiveness of the region and opens interesting prospects for local economic development.
Since October 2023, Aurum Resources has carried out an ambitious drilling campaign, totaling nearly 64,000 meters. This intensive program made it possible to confirm the existence of significant resources, as highlighted Caigen WangManaging Director of Aurum Resources: “We have made considerable progress in a short time, and we are confident that additional significant resources can be discovered in the years to come. »
For 2025, the company plans a new drilling program of 100,000 meterswith the aim of refining data on the deposit and preparing a feasibility study. This step will be crucial to determine the viability of the project and assess the investments necessary for the construction of a mine.
Ivory Coast, rich in mineral resources, has seen its gold production increase significantly over the past decade. In 2023, the country reached record production of 51 tonnes d’or, almost triple the production recorded ten years earlier. This performance is part of the national strategy aimed at making the mining sector an essential pillar of the Ivorian economy.
The government's objective is clear: double gold production by 2028 to reach 100 tonnes per year. The discovery of new deposits, such as those identified by Aurum Resources, plays a central role in this dynamic. These initiatives also strengthen Côte d'Ivoire's position as a preferred destination for international mining investors.
Despite the enthusiasm generated by this discovery, the path towards effective exploitation remains strewn with pitfalls. After the pre-feasibility study planned for 2024, Aurum Resources will have to complete several key steps, including obtaining the necessary authorizations and mobilizing substantial financing. These steps will determine the company's ability to transform this resource into an operational mine. The Ivorian government, for its part, continues to encourage investments in the mining sector, while seeking to strengthen regulation and promote sustainable exploitation of resources.
The discovery of the Boundiali project reflects not only the gold potential of Côte d'Ivoire, but also its capacity to attract major international players. The partnership between Aurum Resources and Chinese investors illustrates this trend and highlights the importance of international cooperation in the development of the sector.
By focusing on projects of this scale, Côte d'Ivoire is affirming its desire to become a regional leader in the mining industry. Ultimately, these initiatives could not only transform the country's economy, but also improve the living conditions of local populations through economic benefits and employment opportunities.
