(Ecofin Agency) – The Boundiali project is controlled by Aurum Resources, a company based in Australia and supported by Chinese investors. The identification of a significant resource on this project is a decisive step towards the construction of a mine likely to increase gold production in Ivory Coast.
The junior mining company Aurum Resources announced on Monday December 30 the discovery of 1.59 million ounces (45 tonnes) of gold on its Boundiali project in Ivory Coast. Five deposits make up this resource located in the north of the country, within the Bagoué region and once again illustrate the long-term growth potential of Ivorian gold production.
« Since October 2023, our team has completed an extensive diamond drilling program of 63,927 meters. This aggressive exploration campaign quickly made it possible to define a significant gold resource […]. We expect a further increase in resources in 2025 through continued exploration said Caigen Wang, CEO of Aurum.
The company is therefore planning a drilling program of 100,000 meters in 2025, which will then allow a feasibility study for the project by the end of next year. This stage notably provides valuable information on the gold production potential of a possible future mine and the investment necessary to realize this potential.
Ivory Coast has seen its gold production almost triple over the past decade, reaching 51 tonnes in 2023. The government is seeking to increase this figure to 100 tonnes over the next five years and the discovery of new deposits of Gold, like those of the Boundiali project, can contribute to this.
Note, however, that several steps still separate Aurum Resources from the entry into production of a gold mine on its project. After the pre-feasibility study planned for next year, further work and authorizations will be necessary, as well as the mobilization of financing for this work.
Emiliano Tossou
Edited by Wilfried ASSOGBA
Belgium
