(Ecofin Agency) - Mining company Perseus Mining announced today the entry into production of its Sissingué gold mine, in Côte d’Ivoire. First gold was produced last Friday, a month earlier than initially planned.

“The production of the first gold bullion at Sissingué is an important step forwards for Perseus at many levels. […] achieving this step gives Perseus a second cash flow and reduces the dependence of the company to incomes from our first mine, Edikan in Ghana,” comments Jeff Quartermaine, the CEO.

Moreover, the company indicated that work are underway for commercial production, which could occur by March 31. The average annual production rate at Sissingué should be 70,000oz over the five coming years.

As for Côte d’Ivoire which announced last week that it produced 25.4 tons of gold in 2017, the start of production at this new mine is good news. Indeed, it could boost the nation’s gold output, per annum, but also its mining revenues valued at CFA539 billion in 2017.

Louis-Nino Kansoun