Gold in Côte d’Ivoire: A Rising Power on the African Scene

Côte d’Ivoire's gold sector has been on a steady upward trajectory in recent years, driven by new industrial mining projects and a largely untapped geological potential. With a record production of 59 tonnes in 2024, the country is closing in on the region’s leading producers, while targeting an ambitious 100 tonnes per year by 2030. This strong momentum is attracting international mining companies, even as the government seeks to better regulate artisanal gold mining. Gold has become a key economic lever—generating revenues, attracting investment, and playing a growing role in the country's development strategy.

A Rapidly Growing Sector

Côte d’Ivoire’s gold industry is in a significant growth phase. From 38.5 tonnes in 2020 to 59 tonnes in 2024, production has surged by nearly 50%. This growth is driven by the launch of new mining sites, such as the Lafigué mine operated by Endeavour Mining, along with major projects under development, including the Koné mine, expected to begin operations around 2027.

The government aims to exceed the symbolic 100-tonne mark by the end of the decade, which would place Côte d’Ivoire among West Africa’s leading gold producers. Authorities are banking on the mining sector to help diversify the economy, traditionally reliant on agriculture particularly cocoa.

This dynamic growth is attracting foreign companies eager to invest in exploration and extraction. Canadian and Australian firms are among the most active players, solidifying Côte d’Ivoire’s position on the global gold map. Geological studies estimate the country still holds up to 600 tonnes of untapped gold reserves, offering significant future potential. This context is favorable for infrastructure development and strategic partnerships that could generate jobs and increase tax revenues. Recent reports also suggest that this growth could foster local value chains, a topic likely to be explored in greater detail in future industry studies.

Regional Competition and Ongoing Challenges

West Africa is increasingly positioning itself as one of the world’s major gold-producing regions. Ghana remains the top producer with over 130 tonnes annually, followed by Mali (around 100 tonnes) and Burkina Faso (between 70 and 80 tonnes). On a continental scale, South Africa—once the undisputed leader—has seen its output decline, while Sahelian nations are gaining ground. Côte d’Ivoire, with its 59 tonnes, still lags behind these giants, but its untapped potential could quickly push it into the top three regional producers.

However, this expansion is not without challenges. Artisanal mining, often operating outside legal frameworks, accounts for a significant portion of total production and fuels a black market worth billions of dollars. These informal operations also raise serious environmental and social concerns. In response, the Ivorian government has launched reforms aimed at formalizing the sector—improving traceability and introducing incentives to integrate small-scale miners into the legal economy. International initiatives are also underway to support this transformation, while local organizations are advocating for fairer redistribution of mining revenues to affected communities.

Looking Ahead

Côte d’Ivoire remains in a catch-up phase compared to its regional peers, but its geological wealth and the scale of ongoing industrial projects put it on a clear upward trajectory within Africa’s gold mining hierarchy. As investment continues to flow in and regulatory frameworks evolve, the country is well-positioned to become a major player in the continent’s mining future.