Côte d'Ivoire: Government Grants Thirteen New Mining Exploration Permits

The Ivorian government is once again strengthening its drive to develop the mining sector. During the Council of Ministers meeting on November 3, the executive approved the granting of thirteen new mining exploration permits. These permits, issued for a period of four years, mainly target gold, while also covering strategic minerals such as iron, aluminum, copper, and coltan.

The majority of the authorizations concern gold exploration, once again confirming the dominant role of this precious metal in the national mining portfolio. Beneficiaries include both local and international companies, notably Barrick Gold Côte d'Ivoire SARL, which received a permit covering Boundiali and Korhogo, as well as Société Ivoirienne d'Exploitation et de Recherches (SIER SARL), which obtained two separate permits in Dabakala, Kaniasso, Madinani, and Odienné. Other companies are also expanding their presence, such as SINAIM SARL in Toumodi, Dimbokro, and M’Batto, Shark Mining CDI SARLU in Dabakala, and Gemica in Vavoua and Zuénoula.

Beyond gold, the state confirms its interest in progressive diversification. Eburnie Mineral was granted a permit for the exploration of iron, aluminum, and copper in Ouaninou, while Ecominier SARL obtained an authorization covering both gold and coltan in Vavoua, Daloa, and Zuénoula. New operators are also joining the national dynamic, including Orca Gold CDI SARL in Boundiali and Dianra, Minex West Africa SARL in Bondoukou and Bouna, Aspire Nord Côte d'Ivoire SARL in Boundiali and Korhogo, and New Mining Côte d'Ivoire SA, which received two permits covering Touba, Koro, and Odienné.

These grants demonstrate the government’s commitment to responsible exploitation in line with international standards, as the permits were issued following current technical and environmental requirements. This represents a further step toward leveraging Côte d'Ivoire’s mining potential in a context of high attractiveness and growing strength of the extractive sector.