Côte d'Ivoire, consolidating its position as Africa's leading gold producer with annual production exceeding 3.5 million ounces (according to the USGS), is preparing to welcome a new major player. Aurum has just formalised the submission of three mining permit applications for its flagship Boundiali project. This regulatory step marks the transition of the project from an intensive exploration phase to large-scale industrial development, covering a strategic area of 572.67 km².
To maximise its chances of success and ensure operational flexibility, Aurum has opted to submit its applications to the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy in sequence. This approach allows each segment of the project to progress independently through the technical, financial and environmental validation process.
The area is thus divided into three distinct blocks:
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The BST application, submitted in March 2025, covering 167.36 km².
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The BD application, submitted in December 2025, covering 130.38 km².
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The BM application, also submitted in December 2025, covering 274.93 km².
This structure makes it possible to overcome any administrative delays in a specific area without blocking the entire development. By acquiring Major Star Plus (35% stake), Aurum is consolidating its local partnerships, a proven strategy for meeting Ivorian regulatory requirements and ensuring optimal management of political risks.
2025 was a record-breaking year for the project. Thanks to the completion of 108,000 metres of diamond drilling, the estimated resources at the Boundiali site jumped from 1.59 Moz to 2.41 Moz in just twelve months. Including the adjacent Napié deposit, combined resources now total 3.28 million ounces of gold.
This scale places Boundiali among the most significant gold projects in West Africa. Based on current industry standards, such a resource could generate annual production of between 200,000 and 400,000 ounces, depending on the final configuration of the processing facilities. The vast area covered by the licence also suggests the possibility of further discoveries, as regional gold systems often contain multiple deposits within their mineralised corridors.
The project benefits from a major geographical advantage: its location in the heart of the Ivorian gold corridor. The proximity of transport networks, energy infrastructure and existing supply chains significantly reduces capital requirements compared to isolated sites.
The year 2026 will be devoted to in-depth feasibility studies. This work will provide the detailed economic assessments, capital expenditure (CAPEX) forecasts and production schedules necessary for final financing decisions. Aurum has a strong cash position, enabling it to conduct these technical studies without major constraints.
If market conditions remain favourable, with the current gold price ensuring robust profitability for large-scale operations, the actual development phase is anticipated to take place between 2027 and 2029. With Boundiali, Aurum is not just adding a mine to the Ivorian cadastre; it is actively participating in Côte d'Ivoire's rise to prominence on the global mining scene.