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Ivory Coast, the world’s top cocoa producer, is accelerating its push into the mining sector, having granted 11 new exploration permits to both domestic and international companies. The permits—announced by government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly following a cabinet meeting in Abidjan—cover exploration for gold, cobalt, copper, chrome, manganese, and nickel.
This move reflects the West African nation’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment, particularly as neighboring countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger face political instability and increasing state control over mining assets. Ivory Coast is positioning itself as a stable, investor-friendly alternative in the region, which analysts say enhances its appeal to global mining firms seeking long-term certainty.
Eight of the newly approved permits focus on gold exploration, awarded to companies including Resolute Exploration Côte d’Ivoire, advancing the Doropo gold project in the north, and Tieto Minéral, which operates the Abujar gold mine west of Abidjan. The remaining three permits target other strategic minerals like cobalt and copper.
Gold mining has become an increasingly vital revenue stream for the country. According to Mines Minister Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly, gold production soared from 10 metric tonnes in 2012 to 58 tonnes in 2024, with projections to reach 62 tonnes in 2025. The government is aiming for an ambitious 100 tonnes annually by 2030, bolstered by projects like Endeavour Mining’s Lafigué mine.
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This expansion is part of a continent-wide trend, as many African nations seek to reduce reliance on single commodities. Ghana, for instance, is enhancing fiscal returns from mining, while Nigeria is investing heavily in its solid minerals sector.
While cocoa still accounts for around 40% of Ivory Coast’s export earnings and remains a vital part of the economy, climate change, price volatility, and calls for more local processing have underscored the need for diversification. With its eyes now firmly on mining, oil, and gas, Ivory Coast is signaling a bold transition—from being the world’s cocoa powerhouse to becoming a major player in Africa’s mineral economy.
