By: Gold Miners Club
Abidjan – Côte d’Ivoire, long known as the world’s top cocoa producer, is now rapidly transforming into a West African mining center. This shift became particularly evident in late 2025 and early 2026 when the government granted new gold exploration permits, drew billions in foreign investment, and reaffirmed its goal of producing 100 tons of gold annually by 2030.
A Wave of New Exploration Permits:
The government’s strategy to unlock mineral potential began with decisive administrative action. In October 2025, the Council of Ministers approved 11 mining exploration permits targeting gold, copper, cobalt, and other critical minerals. Eight focused on gold and were awarded to firms such as Resolute Exploration Côte d’Ivoire and Tieto Mineral.
Licensing momentum continued in 2026. In February, Koulou Gold Corp. acquired the Koun-Fao permits (PR1019 and PR1022), covering 601.9 km² in one of the country’s most prospective gold districts. CEO Alex Ruggieri stated this makes them “the largest landholder with 937.8 km²,” positioning the company for large-scale discoveries.
The government’s messaging is clear. By offering a transparent and stable regulatory environment, Côte d’Ivoire aims to distinguish itself from the growing regulatory and security uncertainties in neighboring Sahel nations. As of early 2026, the country has 19 operational mines, including 13 gold mines, demonstrating sustained growth over the past decade.
The Investment Avalanche: $1.21 Billion Committed:
Exploration permits are quickly leading to active mining. In February 2026, the Ivorian Council of Ministers granted two major mining permits, totaling an investment of 732.71 billion CFA francs (about $1.21 billion).
Project 1: Assafo-Didibango (Etruscan Resources) Located in the Koun-Fao and Tanda departments, this project involves an investment of 451.31 billion CFA francs ($745 million). It is expected to produce an average of 7.99 tons of gold annually over a 19-year lifespan, with a total estimated output of 120 tons. The project is slated to create 330 direct jobs during operations.
Project 2: Doropo (Ampella Mining/Resolute Mining) The Doropo project, located in the northern Bounkani region, represents an investment of 281.4 billion CFA francs ($465 million). Valid for 14 years, it targets an average annual production of 6.43 tons of gold and a total output of 59 tons. This project is a major driver of employment, expected to generate 1,600 direct jobs during construction and 800 during operations.
These figures match statements from Resolute Mining in February 2026. The company confirmed the Doropo permit was the last approval needed for construction. They target the first gold by the first half of 2028.
International Heavyweights Enter the Arena:
Beyond the approved projects, Côte d’Ivoire is drawing global mining powers. For example, in March 2026, the Ivorian Press Agency (AIP) reported that the Chinese group Huaxin Gold plans a $780 million investment in 2026. Of this, $450 million will go to major project construction, $180 million to exploration and new permits, $50 million to security, and $100 million to infrastructure. Reflecting this momentum, Dr. Randolphe Kichiedou, an advisor to the group, said Côte d’Ivoire has become “one of the most dynamic gold markets in Africa.”
Junior miners are also active. For example, in March 2026, Kobo Resources announced a $5.5 million private placement to fund drilling at its Kossou Gold Project, with plans to release a maiden resource estimate by mid-2026.
The 2030 Target: Ambition Meets Reality
The goal of reaching 100 tons of annual gold production by 2030 is ambitious but realistic. Gold output has risen from 10 tons in 2012 to 58 tons in 2024. Output is expected to hit 62 tons in 2025.
At the Mining Indaba forum in Cape Town (February 2026), Ivorian officials showcased “10 years of mining growth.” They highlighted the drivers of investor confidence: political stability, a 2024 national security index of 1.2, improved infrastructure, and ongoing mining code reforms. The sector has attracted over 2,000 billion CFA francs in investments during the past decade.
However, challenges exist. However, challenges exist. For example, a Reuters report in October 2025 said miners were stockpiling supplies and relocating staff before the tense presidential election, reflecting the sector’s vulnerability to political cycles. Even so, analysts say Côte d’Ivoire remains “a stable anchor in Francophone West Africa. ” With $780 million in pledges from a major Chinese company and steady exploration results, Côte d’Ivoire is not just hoping to reach 100 tons by 2030. 2030, it is actively building the industrial foundation to get there.
News References:
Africa News Agency. (2026, February 12). Côte d’Ivoire approves $1.21bn in mining projects to boost gold output. Africa News Agency.
Agence Ivoirienne de Presse. (2026a, February 5). Mining Indaba 2026: Côte d’Ivoire showcases 10 years of mining growth. Abidjan.
Agence Ivoirienne de Presse. (2026b, February 12). Council of Ministers: Two mining permits granted for 732.71 billion CFA francs. Abidjan.
Agence Ivoirienne de Presse. (2026c, March 15). Chinese group Huaxin Gold plans $780 million investment in Côte d’Ivoire. Abidjan.
AllAfrica. (2025, October 10). Côte d’Ivoire: 11 new mining exploration permits approved by Council of Ministers. AllAfrica.com.
Business Insider Africa. (2025, October 11). Côte d’Ivoire grants eight new gold exploration permits to attract investment. Business Insider Africa.
Investing.com. (2026, March 10). Kobo Resources announces $5.5 million private placement for Kossou Gold Project drilling. Investing.com.
Koulou Gold Corp. (2026, February 18). Koulou Gold acquires Koun-Fao exploration permits, becomes largest landholder in prospective Ivorian gold district [Press release]. Koulou Gold Corp.
Market Screener. (2026, February 20). Resolute Mining receives final permit for Doropo gold project in Côte d’Ivoire. MarketScreener.com.
Reuters. (2025, October 14). Ivorian miners stockpile supplies ahead of tense presidential election. Reuters / U.S. News & World Report.
