Côte d’Ivoire Dethrones Canada and Australia to Become the Global Epicenter of Mining Attractiveness
Côte d’Ivoire has firmly established itself as one of the world’s most promising new frontiers in the mining industry. During the 2025 edition of the Africa Down Under conference held in Perth, Australia, the country achieved a remarkable feat by surpassing Canada and Australia—long considered global benchmarks in mining attractiveness.
This recognition marks a decisive step in Côte d’Ivoire’s economic diversification strategy and confirms the central role of the mining sector in its national growth ambitions.
Under the leadership of President Alassane Ouattara, the Ivorian government has made mining the second pillar of its development strategy, alongside agriculture. This direction is the result of deep reforms and strengthened governance, spearheaded by Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy. Over the past decade, this momentum has led to a quadrupling of gold production, a tenfold increase in manganese output, and a significant rise in exploration permits issued.
The Triumph in Perth
The Africa Down Under conference, held from September 3 to 5, 2025, positioned Côte d’Ivoire as the standout revelation of the event. The showcase titled “Investing in Côte d’Ivoire’s Mining Sector,” held on September 5, attracted over sixty international delegates. Ivorian officials made it clear that the country is no longer just a rising star in West Africa, but a serious contender among the global mining giants.
Seydou Coulibaly, Director General of Mines and Geology, highlighted the country’s strong assets: an exceptionally rich subsoil, modern infrastructure, a steadily improving business climate, and firm political will to ensure transparency and sustainability in resource management.
The credibility of Côte d’Ivoire was further boosted by testimonies from executives of mining companies already operating in the country. Justin Tremain, CEO of Turaco Gold, stated that there is “no better place in the world to build a gold mine.” Jacob Ricciardone of Perseus Mining and Caigen Wang of Aurum Resources praised the country’s political stability and clear governmental vision. Adam Oehlman of African Gold shared the rapid progress of the Didievi project, where nearly one million ounces of gold were discovered in under a year.
Proven Performance
Gold production in Côte d’Ivoire rose from 18 to 58 tonnes over the past decade, earning the country the title of West Africa’s top mining jurisdiction, according to the prestigious 2023 Fraser Institute ranking.
The International Monetary Fund projects a 6% economic growth rate for 2024, with nearly 14% of that growth directly attributed to the mining sector. The government has recently increased mining royalties by two points and is preparing a revision of the mining code to ensure fairer wealth distribution.
Côte d’Ivoire, which accounts for 40% of the GDP within the WAEMU region, boasts top-tier port and energy infrastructure, a 95% electrification rate, and holds 35% of the Birimian geological formations of West Africa. Over fifty mineral substances have been identified in the country, including several strategic minerals. Investing in Côte d’Ivoire also offers access to a regional market of 410 million consumers within ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which encompasses 1.2 billion people.
By positioning itself as the new epicenter of the global gold mining industry, Côte d’Ivoire is proving it can combine investor appeal, responsible resource exploitation, and tangible benefits for local communities.
The 2025 edition of Africa Down Under was more than just a showcase — it marked the emergence of Côte d’Ivoire as a major mining power, poised to reshape the global investment landscape.
