(Ecofin Agency) - Perseus Mining operates the Yaouré and Sissingué gold mines in Côte d'Ivoire. While the initial lifespan of Sissingué was set to end in 2022, the company has identified satellite deposits that could extend the mine's operation until 2026.

In Côte d'Ivoire, the National Environmental Agency has approved the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) submitted by Perseus for the Bagoé deposit near its Sissingué gold mine. Perseus made the announcement on April 24, stressing that it has submitted the ESIA and a definitive feasibility study to the Ministry of Mines.

"The required community consultation processes are underway, and approval is expected in the coming months. The mining license is expected to be granted thereafter, and a mining agreement covering the operation is expected to be negotiated in due course," added the Australian company.

Bagoé is one of the deposits identified in 2022 by Perseus to extend the initial lifespan of Sissingué by about four years, until 2026. According to an estimate published in 2020 by the former owner, Bagoé hosts 90,000 ounces of gold in indicated mineral resources and 440,000 ounces of inferred mineral resources.

Perseus Mining has since conducted exploration work on the asset but has not yet disclosed the gold production capacity of the deposit or the investment required to exploit it.

Apart from Sissingué, which delivered 17,092 ounces of gold in the first quarter of 2024, Perseus operates a second gold mine in Côte d'Ivoire, namely Yaouré, which can deliver gold until 2035.

Emiliano Tossou