Aurum Resources Limited presented an estimate of about 115 tonnes of gold in its Boundiali project in northern Côte d'Ivoire to the Ivorian government on Thursday, 8 October, announcing first production targeted for the first half of 2028. The Australian group, however, is continuing its technical studies and permit applications before a final investment decision.
The figure of 115 tonnes corresponds to an estimate of mineral resources, according to the account from the Prime Minister's Office and the Agence ivoirienne de presse. It represents neither a quantity already mined nor the volume that will necessarily be recovered and sold. Converting a geological resource into a usable reserve depends in particular on ore grade, costs, the gold price, authorisations and mine design choices.
The most recent detailed technical estimate available on Aurum's website, published in May 2026 under the Australian JORC code, covered 3.22 million ounces of gold at Boundiali. It included 1.70 million ounces in the indicated category and 1.52 million in the inferred category.
The pre-feasibility study published in June adopted a probable reserve of 1.21 million ounces, or about 37.6 tonnes of contained gold. This reserve is substantially lower than the total resources because it corresponds to the portion that, at this stage, meets the technical and economic criteria used in the mine plan.
Aurum has commissioned a definitive feasibility study and is running a drilling programme to extend the mineralised zones and convert part of the inferred resources. The company is targeting a final investment decision at the end of 2026, while applications for mining permits remain under review.
The 2028 timetable therefore remains a company target. It remains conditional on the results of the definitive study, financing, permits and construction of the necessary facilities.