Canadian-based and African-focused Montage Gold said it received its ministerial order from the Ministry of Environment, Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition of Côte d’Ivoire granting the environmental permit for the development of the company’s Koné project as it prepares to bring the flagship asset online.
Company officials said the mining permit application for the Koné project has been submitted. All approvals are expected in the second half of this year.
Prior to receiving the environmental permit, Montage team members were received by President Alassane Ouattara of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire at a ceremony in Abidjan, during which the President reiterated the country’s support for the mining sector and the advancement of the Koné project given the positive benefits it can generate for all stakeholders.
“We are very pleased with the significant progress being made to advance our Koné project towards a construction launch, with significant support received from local stakeholders, lenders, and shareholders,” CEO Martino De Ciccio said.
“The receipt of the environmental permit marks a significant milestone in our permitting process and reflects the strong support received from numerous government agencies and local communities.”
He added that the company is looking forward to continuing to build upon the momentum it has created across its business for its mission: to create a premier African gold producer, beginning in Côte d’Ivoire given the country’s highly favourable investment climate.
Based on a 2024 feasibility study, Koné ranks as one of the highest quality gold projects in Africa with a long 16-year mine life and sizeable annual production of more than 300,000 ounces over its first eight years.
Source: Montage Gold