Ivory Coast’s gold output is expected to set a record high in 2024, significantly driven by the Lafigue mine inauguration. The country aims to enhance its mining industry as part of a strategy to diversify its economy. Gold production is projected to rise to 62 metric tons this year, with ambitions to equal Ghana’s output by 2030.
Ivory Coast’s gold production is projected to achieve a record high this year, primarily due to the upcoming contributions from the newly inaugurated Lafigue mine. This assertion comes from Jean-Claude Diplo, a prominent industry official. The nation, known as the world’s foremost cocoa producer, is actively working to enhance its mining sector to ensure diverse income streams.
The Lafigue mine, situated approximately 500 kilometers north of Abidjan and managed by Endeavour Mining, is anticipated to yield between 180,000 and 210,000 ounces of gold in 2025. Diplo, who recently concluded his role as head of the GPMCI, indicated that gold output in Cote d’Ivoire is set to increase to 62 metric tons this year, compared to 58 tons in 2024.
Diplo noted that the anticipated growth in gold production will stem primarily from the Lafigue mine, which is about to commence full-scale operations. Additionally, substantial investments in another significant mine are expected to further enhance the country’s output. The upward trend in gold production has been consistent, and Diplo expressed confidence that Ivory Coast could soon surpass Mali and Burkina Faso in gold production, aligning with Ghana’s output levels.
He stated, “We have the potential to go very fast… If we are disciplined, as we are today, we will be on a par with Ghana in 2030, according to our projections.” Other notable mining companies such as Barrick Gold, Perseus Mining, and Roxgold are also active participants in the Ivorian mining sector.
In summary, Ivory Coast is poised to reach unprecedented gold production levels, propelled by the Lafigue mine and strategic investments in its mining sector. The projections underline the country’s ambition to diversify its economic reliance beyond cocoa, as it aims to elevate its status in the regional gold mining market.
Original Source: www.graphic.com.gh
