(Ecofin Agency) - Considered by the Fraser Institute as West Africa’s most attractive mining jurisdiction, Côte d'Ivoire pulls in new investors who eye its important yet untapped gold reserves.

At a recent Council of Ministers meeting, the Ivoirian government adopted nine decrees granting various firms mining permits for exploration.

The permits, respectively valid for four years, cover mostly gold exploration. 

Société Ivoirienne d'Exploration et de Recherche SARL secured a permit to search for nickel, rare earths, cobalt, gold, and chromium in the Koro department. African Ressources SARL secured two gold permits in the Abengourou, Agnibilékrou, and Koun-Fao departments, as well as in the Adzopé and Yakassé-Attobrou departments.

The government also granted two gold exploration permits to Compagnie Africaine de Recherche et d'Exploitation Minière SARL in the Bondoukou and Bouna departments. Turaco Sud Est Exploration SARL received three permits in the Aboisso and Tiapoum departments, and Aspire Nord Côte d'Ivoire SARL received gold exploration permits in the Boundiali, Korhogo, and M'Bengué departments.

Côte d'Ivoire became in recent years a top gold producer in West Africa, with production forecast at 50 tonnes in 2023 and 55 tonnes in 2024. A recent study by the Fraser Institute ranked the country as the most favorable jurisdiction for mining investment in the sub-region.

Emiliano Tossou