The Australian group Aurum Resources announced, on October 8, 2026, a gold potential of 115 tonnes at Boundiali and Kouto, in the north of Ivory Coast. The project plans an investment of 503 million dollars, or approximately 300 billion CFA francs. The first production is expected in 2028. The Boundiali gold project strengthens the prospects of the Ivorian mining sector. On Thursday October 8, 2026, Aurum Resources managers presented the results of their explorations to Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé. The Australian company announces a potential of 115 tonnes of gold in this area of ​​the north of the country. To develop the site, the group plans an investment of $503 million. This amount represents approximately 300 billion CFA francs.The project plans to process 6.8 million tonnes of ore per year. The company is targeting annual production of 6.2 tonnes of gold from the first half of 2028. However, the 115 tonnes announced correspond to the estimated gold resources. They do not represent the quantity of gold that will be fully extracted and marketed. Actual production will depend on the exploitable reserves, the technical conditions and the profitability of the future mine.

More than 6,000 jobs expected

The site should mobilize around 4 200 direct and indirect jobs, according to forecasts communicated. The operation phase could then generate 2,200 jobs.These perspectives raise the question of the participation of Ivorian workers and local businesses. The government also expects lasting benefits for local populations. Infrastructure, tax revenues and subcontracting activities could contribute to the economic development of the region. The extent of these benefits will, however, depend on the commitments actually made. The project must also meet environmental requirements. Water management, the protection of agricultural land and the treatment of mining residues constitute important issues for the communities concerned. Ivory Coast produced 59.124 tonnes of gold in 2024, compared to 23.54 tonnes in 2015, according to official data. The development of Boundiali is part of this progression of the national gold industry.However, the announced investment does not constitute revenue acquired for the State. Public revenues will depend in particular on actual production, operating costs and applicable taxation.

The priority will therefore be to transform this mining potential into sustainable jobs, public revenue and investments useful to the populations. Completion of the announced schedule will make it possible to measure the first concrete benefits of this project.