Ivorian exports in 2023 were mainly dominated by key products including cocoa and its derivatives, petroleum products, raw gold, and natural rubber, which collectively accounted for 70.1% of total exports. Côte d'Ivoire’s trade balance saw a significant upturn, recording a surplus of CFA850 billion ($1.4 billion), a report from the Ivorian customs authorities showed. This figure reflects a...

In recent months, Gécamines has intensified negotiations with foreign investors operating copper and cobalt mines in the country. The aim is to seek greater control over valuable resources to boost sector revenue. Democratic Republic of Congo's state-owned miner Gécamines is seeking more control over copper and cobalt mines by demanding additional board seats in its joint ventures with foreign...

Canadian miner First Quantum has been grappling with financial challenges since the abrupt closure of its flagship Cobre Panamá copper mine in late 2023. The company is actively exploring options to secure additional liquidity and maintain operations. In Zambia, First Quantum Minerals has secured a copper prepayment agreement with its main shareholder, Jiangxi Copper, which will...

Canadian gold miner Perseus Mining, having produced over 500,000 ounces in 2023 from its three operating mines in West Africa, is actively pursuing portfolio expansion. The company made a takeover bid for the owner of a gold project in Tanzania. Canadian gold miner Perseus Mining announced a cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia's Ajlan & Bros Mining & Metals Company (ABM) on February 21,...

Canadian miner Lucara Diamond, operating the Karowe mine in Botswana, Africa's top diamond producer, recovered 335,769 carats of rough diamonds in 2022. Lucara Diamond's Karowe mine in Botswana, the world's leading diamond producer, produced 395,134 carats in 2023, an 18% year-on-year increase, the company said on February 20. This meets the lower end of its forecast range of 395,000 to 405,000...

In June 2023, Kinross Gold successfully completed the expansion of its Tasiast gold mine. This expansion, launched in in 2019, has allowed the Canadian mining company to surpass an annual production milestone of 600,000 ounces in 2023, making Tasiast not only the largest gold mine in Mauritania but also a key asset in Kinross Gold's portfolio. On February 14, Kinross Gold unveiled its...

Burkina Faso, recognized as one of Africa's leading gold producers, hosts operations by several major international mining companies including Canada's Iamgold and Orezone, Australia's West African Resources, and West Africa's top gold producer, Endeavour Mining. As of December 31, 2022, six industrial mines in Burkina Faso have not paid their contributions to the Mine Rehabilitation and Closure...

Rwanda's subsoil is rich with mineral resources valued at $150 billion, according to official figures. The country is already a producer of gold, coltan, and cassiterite and is now venturing into lithium exploration. In 2022, export revenues reached $772 million, showcasing the country's growing significance in the global mining industry. Rwanda collected $1.1 billion in mining...

Allied Gold operates three gold mines in West Africa: Bonikro and Agbaou in Côte d'Ivoire, and Sadiola in Mali. In 2022, these three mines delivered 371,000 ounces or 10.52 tons of gold. Canadian mining company Allied, with operations in Mali and Côte d'Ivoire, announced it has generated a total of 343,817 ounces (around 9.75 tons) of gold in 2023. In a February 21 press release, the company...

The ECOWAS Mining and Oil Forum, which was first launched in 2012, held its inaugural event in Ghana in 2015, followed by editions in Côte d'Ivoire (2018) and Niger (2022). This high-level gathering promotes exchanges and the sharing of experiences at the sub-regional level. The 4th edition of the ECOWAS Mining and Oil Forum opened in Cotonou, Benin, yesterday February 22. The opening ceremony...