Côte d’Ivoire has awarded 11 new mining exploration permits to both local and international companies as part of its efforts to attract further investment and diversify its rapidly expanding mining sector.
Government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly announced the decision on Wednesday following cabinet approval, emphasising the country’s strategy to position itself as a stable, investor-friendly mining hub in West Africa.
The four-year permits include eight dedicated to gold exploration, with Resolute Exploration Côte d’Ivoire developing the Doropo gold mine in the north, and Tieto Minéral operating the Abujar gold mine to the west of Abidjan. Three additional permits were granted for chrome, manganese, nickel, cobalt and copper exploration, underscoring the government’s broader push to tap into the country’s rich mineral potential.
Gold production in Côte d’Ivoire has experienced significant growth over the past decade, rising from 10 metric tonnes in 2012 to 58 tonnes in 2024, with projections of 62 tonnes in 2025, according to Mines Minister Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly. This growth has been propelled by the development of new mining sites, such as Lafigué operated by Endeavour Mining. The government aims to reach 100 tonnes of gold production annually by 2030. The mining sector now contributes 4% to GDP, compared to 1.5% ten years ago, and has attracted billions of dollars in investment, according to the Professional Group of Miners of Côte d’Ivoire.
International players including Canadian miner Barrick, Perseus Mining, Roxgold and Fortuna Mining are already operating in the country, benefiting from Côte d’Ivoire’s stable regulatory environment. Coulibaly noted that the new permits align with the government’s strategy to unlock untapped mineral reserves and reduce economic dependence on cocoa, traditionally the backbone of the Ivorian economy. With these new exploration licences, Côte d’Ivoire is signalling its intent to consolidate its position as a key mining destination on the continent.