The Africa Down Under Conference closes today and has offered enormous insight into the challenges of exploring and mining in Africa, as well as the successes.
This was the 22nd edition of Africa Down Under (ADU) which was first launched to raise awareness of Australia’s interests in African mining and energy.
The three-day meeting has evolved to become the largest African-focused mining event held outside the continent itself, which is reflected by the number of high-profile participants who attend each year.
Driving economic development in the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire
Over the past 12 years, the mining sector has played a pivotal role in driving economic development in the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, with ongoing exploration yielding results across a range of commodities, including gold, iron ore, nickel-cobalt, copper, bauxite and manganese.
Republic of Côte d'Ivoire Ministry of Mines, Petrol and Energy inspector general Cisse Sabati noted in his presentation at the ADU that the country benefits from existing production of gold, manganese and nickel, while four advanced gold projects are progressing toward production.
Côte d'Ivoire is currently reviewing its mining legislation, aiming to maintain its attractiveness while strengthening governance of the mining sector. This is complemented by the acquisition of additional geoscientific data to support future exploration.
Sabati highlighted the significant increase in gold production, with nickel and bauxite production contributing to the diversification of the country’s outputs.
“Our geological formations offer enormous potential, as we have indications for more than 34 metals.
“Over the past decade our increased focus on mineral exploration has really borne fruits, we have seen the discovery of some significant mineral resources.”
Reaffirming its commitment to mining development, the Côte d'Ivoire Government will host the inaugural International Exhibition for Extractive and Energy Resources in Ivory Coast (SIREXE) in Abidjan at the end of November.