Côte d'Ivoire has awarded four new gold exploration permits to two private companies as part of its strategy to accelerate mineral exploration, attract investment and strengthen the country's mining industry.

The permits were granted to KOFAMEX International SARL and West Africa Mineral Resources SARL under decrees approved by the Council of Ministers. The exploration areas cover several departments across central, western and northern Côte d'Ivoire, where geological surveys and drilling campaigns will be conducted to assess the commercial potential of gold deposits.

KOFAMEX International SARL received two exploration permits covering the departments of Daloa, Vavoua and Zuénoula, as well as Divo, Lakota, Guitry, Soubré and Sassandra. West Africa Mineral Resources SARL was awarded two additional permits covering Dabakala, Satama-Sokoro and Katiola, along with Mankono and Séguéla.

The move is part of the Ivorian government's broader efforts to expand the mining sector, which has become one of the country's fastest-growing industries. Authorities are seeking to increase mineral discoveries, attract domestic and foreign investment, and diversify an economy that has traditionally relied on agricultural exports, particularly cocoa.

Gold has emerged as one of Côte d'Ivoire's leading export commodities in recent years, supported by increased exploration activities, new mining projects and regulatory reforms aimed at improving the investment climate.

The newly issued permits authorize exploration activities only, including geological mapping, sampling and drilling to determine whether economically viable gold deposits exist. Any future mining operations would require separate exploitation permits and regulatory approval from the government.

Officials expect the expanded exploration program to help increase the country's mineral reserves, create employment opportunities in the affected regions and generate additional government revenue over the long term, reinforcing Côte d'Ivoire's ambition to become one of West Africa's leading mining destinations.