Côte d’Ivoire’s Mining Milestone: Perseus Launches First Underground Gold Operation

The West African nation of Côte d’Ivoire is entering a new chapter in its mining history as Perseus Mining secures presidential approval to develop the country’s first underground gold mine. President Alassane Ouattara signed the decree on September 18, 2025, authorizing construction of the Central Mineralised Area (CMA) underground project at the Yaouré gold mine.

The project represents a significant shift in African mining operations. The US$170 million investment will extend Yaouré’s operational life until at least 2035 based on current mineral resources and ore reserves. First ore production is scheduled for January 2026, with commercial production expected by March 2027.

Presidential Support Drives Underground Development

The presidential decree follows comprehensive regulatory approval processes. Environmental and Social Impact Assessment received approval in May 2025 from Environment Minister Jacques Assahoré Konan. The Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, led by Minister Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, provided critical support throughout the approval process.

Perseus CEO Jeff Quartermaine emphasized the milestone’s importance. “Receiving the presidential decree authorising the development of Côte d’Ivoire’s first underground mine is a major milestone for Perseus, allowing us to immediately proceed with the cutting of portals and ultimately gaining access to further important ore sources for processing through the Yaouré processing facility,” he stated.

The timing proved beneficial for preparation work. “While receipt of the formal authorisation comes later than originally planned, the delay has allowed us time to complete all infrastructure works required to support the operation as well as ensure that Byrnecut’s underground equipment is available and commissioned ready for immediate commencement of mining operations,” Quartermaine added.

Technical Specifications Drive Operational Planning

The CMA underground project targets high-grade mineralization beneath the existing open pit. Measured and indicated mineral resources total 7.4 million tonnes grading 4.16 grams gold per tonne, containing 966,000 ounces of gold. Additional inferred resources comprise 4.7 million tonnes grading 3.4 grams gold per tonne, containing 514,000 ounces.

The underground operation will maintain significant production volumes. At steady-state production rates, underground ore will represent approximately 20% of total tonnes mined across surface and underground operations. Annual underground production targets range from 700,000 to 770,000 tonnes over the currently defined operational life.

Technical development will proceed rapidly. Infrastructure projects supporting the underground mine are complete. Development of the declines began immediately following approval, with underground mining equipment commissioned by specialist contractor Byrnecut.

Byrnecut Brings International Underground Expertise

Australian specialist underground mining contractor Byrnecut secured the primary mining contract for the CMA project. The company brings extensive international experience to Côte d’Ivoire’s inaugural underground operation, including previous West African projects in Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Mali.

Byrnecut’s role extends beyond traditional contracting services. The company will focus on training Ivorian miners in underground mining skills, particularly safety protocols and operational disciplines. This knowledge transfer supports workforce development goals while establishing underground mining capabilities within the country.

Equipment deployment includes specialized underground machinery. Sandvik DD422i jumbo drilling machines and LH621 boggers represent advanced underground mining technology. The equipment fleet supports mechanized development operations designed for high productivity and safety standards.

Economic Impact Extends Mining Sector Growth

The project contributes to Côte d’Ivoire’s expanding mining sector. Gold production has increased from 10 tonnes in 2012 to 58 tonnes in 2024, with projections reaching 62 tonnes in 2025 according to Minister Sangafowa-Coulibaly. The government targets 100 tonnes annual gold production by 2030.

Mining sector contribution to GDP has grown from 1.5% to 4% over the past decade. The sector has attracted billions in foreign investment, according to the Professional Group of Miners of Côte d’Ivoire. Major international operators including Barrick Gold, Perseus Mining, Roxgold, and Fortuna Mining maintain active operations.

The CMA investment represents Perseus’s largest single project commitment in Côte d’Ivoire. “The US$170 million to be invested by Perseus in the CMA underground mine marks a new phase in our partnership with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire in expanding its thriving mining industry,” Quartermaine noted.

Final Thoughts

Perseus Mining maintains three producing gold mines across West Africa. Yaouré serves as the flagship operation, producing 262,000 ounces in fiscal year 2025 at US$1,101 per ounce all-in sustaining costs. The underground extension positions Yaouré as a central component of Perseus’s long-term production strategy.

The project timeline reflects careful planning and preparation. Perseus made the final investment decision in January 2025, followed by contractor selection and equipment procurement. Regulatory approvals proceeded through established government channels, demonstrating effective stakeholder engagement.

Minister Sangafowa-Coulibaly recently announced that Côte d’Ivoire will position itself as Africa’s leading gold producer within five years. “Thirty-five percent of the Birimian rock in West Africa, commonly known as ‘greenstone’ and recognized for its gold content, is located in Côte d’Ivoire,” he stated during an October 2025 address at Sciences Po Paris.

The CMA underground project establishes technical precedents for future underground operations in Côte d’Ivoire. Success in this inaugural project may encourage additional underground developments across the country’s gold-bearing regions. The operation represents a significant advancement in West African mining capabilities, combining international expertise with local workforce development to create sustainable mining operations for decades ahead.