The Boundiali gold project is taking a political step, but remains to be developed. Ivorian Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé received the executives of Australian group Aurum Resources on 8 October. According to the government report published the following day, the company announces construction will start from the end of 2026 and targets first production in the first half of 2028.
A timeline that still depends on project development
During this meeting, the government asked for the process to be accelerated. The Minister of Mines also stressed the delivery of structuring projects for the regions concerned, so that local benefits can continue after the mines close.
On its technical page devoted to Boundiali, Aurum says it has launched a definitive feasibility study after the pre-feasibility study completed in June 2026. The final investment decision is presented as a target for the end of the fourth quarter of 2026. The company specifies that applications for mining licences are being processed.
These steps should be distinguished. A production target gives the project a horizon; it is neither confirmation of closed financing nor certification that works are complete. Moving to operation requires securing the necessary permits, capital, facilities and operating conditions.
Resources and reserves: two figures to be read separately
Aurum presents a resource estimate of 3.22 million ounces of gold, updated in May 2026. Its June pre-feasibility study reports a first probable reserve of 1.21 million ounces. These data correspond to identified dates and technical categories.
A resource describes an estimated geological potential. A reserve incorporates an assessment of the economic extraction of part of that potential, based on studies and assumptions. The two figures should therefore not be added together, nor treated as annual production available.
For people and businesses in northern Côte d’Ivoire, the next milestones will be the investment decision and concrete progress on construction. The announced timeline creates prospects for suppliers and local infrastructure. Whether these materialise should be judged on contracts, works and jobs actually committed, beyond resource announcements.