Côte d’Ivoire Grants Mining Permits for Assafou and Doropo
The government of Côte d’Ivoire approved two mining decrees at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, February 4. The decision grants operating permits for the Assafou and Doropo gold projects. It allows construction to move forward at both sites and supports plans to raise annual gold production to about 100 tonnes by the next decade, from
Côte d’Ivoire Grants Mining Permits for Assafou and Doropo
The government of Côte d’Ivoire approved two mining decrees at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, February 4. The decision grants operating permits for the Assafou and Doropo gold projects. It allows construction to move forward at both sites and supports plans to raise annual gold production to about 100 tonnes by the next decade, from 58 tonnes in 2024.
Construction Plans for Assafou and Doropo
Assafou is set to become one of the country’s next large-scale gold mines. Its operator, Endeavour Mining, plans to start construction in the second half of 2026 following regulatory approval. At Doropo, Australian miner Resolute Mining aims to begin construction in the first half of the year. In both cases, project timelines depended on securing mining permits, which the Cabinet has now issued.
A pre-feasibility study released in late 2024 estimates that Assafou could produce about 329,000 ounces of gold per year during its first decade of operation. Construction costs are projected at $734 million. Doropo is expected to produce an average of 170,000 ounces annually over a 13-year mine life, with total investment estimated at $516 million. Combined, the two projects represent more than $1.2 billion in planned investment and will strengthen Côte d’Ivoire’s position among West Africa’s leading gold producers.
The projects are also expected to create jobs. A government briefing said the Doropo project alone could generate about 1,600 direct jobs during construction and around 800 permanent roles once operations begin.
Construction Plans for Assafou and Doropo
Despite the permit approvals, both companies must complete final internal processes before breaking ground. At Doropo, Resolute Mining is working toward a final investment decision and currently targets first production in early 2028. The company said in January that it plans to commit up to $190 million in 2026 to fund development using internal resources.
At Assafou, Endeavour Mining must still complete a definitive feasibility study. The study will refine costs and production assumptions ahead of a final investment decision. The company currently expects production to begin in the second half of 2028.
