Côte d’Ivoire grants six mining exploration permits for gold, copper and nickel

Côte d’Ivoire has granted six mining exploration permits to five companies for a period of four years, authorising them to search for gold, copper and nickel deposits in several parts of the country, according to economic news outlet Sika Finance.

Gold accounts for most of the exploration activity covered by the permits, reflecting the continued importance of the precious metal in Côte d’Ivoire’s mining sector. Copper and nickel are also targeted under the new authorisations.

The companies receiving the permits are AWALE RESOURCES, ETRUSCAN RESOURCES CÔTE D’IVOIRE, SMART MINING GROUP, TIETTO MINERALS CÔTE D’IVOIRE and SWITCH METALS CÔTE D’IVOIRE.

The exploration areas include Gbéléban and Minignan for AWALE RESOURCES; Bondoukou and Tanda for ETRUSCAN RESOURCES; M’Bahiakro and Bouaké for SMART MINING GROUP; and Gagnoa and Soubré for TIETTO MINERALS. SWITCH METALS will search for copper and nickel in the Ouaninou and Touba areas.

The permits allow the companies to conduct exploration work to assess the presence and potential of mineral deposits. They do not constitute authorisation to begin commercial mining, which would require further approvals.

The new permits come as Côte d’Ivoire seeks to develop its mining sector beyond its established gold production. Exploration activities are an important step in identifying potential resources, although the existence of economically viable deposits can only be established through further geological studies and assessments.

The four-year validity period will give the companies time to carry out exploration work and evaluate the mineral potential of their respective areas.