At an official meeting in Abidjan, Anglo-Australian mining company Resolute Mining announced the discovery of a world-class gold deposit at Doropo, in the north-east of Côte d'Ivoire. The project, estimated to yield more than 100 tonnes of gold, marks a significant step forward for Côte d'Ivoire's mining sector and promises major economic benefits for the country.
At an audience with Ivorian Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, Resolute Mining CEO Chris Eger detailed the company's ambitions for the Doropo project. Construction of the mine, scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2026, will be spread over two years and will require an investment of 300 billion CFA francs (around 450 million euros). According to Mr Eger, the mine will have an operational life of more than 20 years, with average annual production estimated at 167,000 ounces of gold over the first 10 years, according to the definitive feasibility study (DFS) carried out in 2024.
"Doropo is a strategic priority for Resolute Mining, but this is just the beginning. We are looking at other mining projects in Côte d'Ivoire, with an additional FCFA 120 billion allocated for this purpose," said Chris Eger. This announcement follows Resolute's acquisition of the Doropo and ABC (Archean-Birimian Contact) projects from AngloGold Ashanti in May 2025 for USD 175 million. This transaction strengthens the company's presence in Côte d'Ivoire, where it aims to become a key player in the African gold sector.
The Doropo project, located in the Bounkani region, one of the poorest in the country, holds great promise for local communities. From the first phase of operation, it is expected to generate around CFAF 300 billion in tax revenue for the Ivorian government and create an estimated 3,000 direct jobs. These figures position Doropo as a lever for economic development in a region facing challenges such as illegal gold panning.
Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé welcomed the discovery, stressing its importance for the national development strategy. "Mining, oil and energy are essential pillars of our economy. This discovery reinforces Côte d'Ivoire's position as a destination of choice for mining investment in Africa", he said.
This discovery is part of a wider dynamic of growth in Côte d'Ivoire's mining sector. In 2024, Côte d'Ivoire produced 58 tonnes of gold, and projects such as Koné (Montage Gold) and Tanda (Endeavour Mining) will complement Doropo, with reserves estimated at 155 tonnes each. These "world-class" deposits position the country to rival gold giants such as Ghana and Mali.
Resolute Mining, which is already active in Mali (Syama mine) and Senegal (Mako mine), expects Doropo to increase its annual production to more than 500,000 ounces of gold, consolidating its stature as a pan-African producer. The company is also focused on sustainability, having obtained an environmental permit in June 2024 following an environmental and social impact assessment.
While optimism is high, challenges remain. Local NGOs are calling for fair management of the economic spin-offs, with particular attention paid to community rights, compensation for landowners and environmental protection. The fight against illegal gold panning in the Doropo region will also be crucial if social tensions are to be avoided.
With an attractive regulatory environment and reforms welcomed by investors, Côte d'Ivoire is positioning itself as a leader in the African mining sector. The scale and promise of the Doropo project illustrate this ambition, and could reshape the economic landscape of north-east Côte d'Ivoire for decades to come.