Canadian mining company Montage Gold has achieved a significant milestone with its first gold pour at the Koné mine, located in Diarra, Woroba district, Côte d'Ivoire. The pour, which took place on September 26, 2026, produced approximately 42 kg of gold, or around 1,140 ounces, from the processing circuit for oxidized ore. This development marks a major step forward for the project, which began construction 20 months prior.
The first gold pour at Koné was completed ahead of schedule, with commercial production of the oxidized ore processing circuit slated for the end of 2026. Martino De Ciccio, President and CEO of Montage Gold, expressed satisfaction with the achievement, viewing it as a crucial step for the company. He noted that future efforts will focus on gradually increasing production while continuing work on the comminution circuit for processing hard ore.
The Koné project is expected to have a significant impact on employment in Côte d'Ivoire. During the construction phase, approximately 3,600 jobs were created, with over 95% filled by Ivoirian workers. The exploitation phase is anticipated to generate around 1,500 permanent jobs. Additionally, the project has logged over 14.1 million working hours, with a solid safety record reported by the company.
Montage Gold's project in Koné is the company's flagship venture in Côte d'Ivoire, with an estimated 16-year mine life and an annual production target of over 300,000 ounces of gold in the early years. Located about 350 kilometers northwest of Yamoussoukro and 600 kilometers northwest of Abidjan, the project is moving from the construction phase to gradual production.
Exploration and development work continue at the Koné project and other sites, including Didievi and Wendé. The 2026 exploration program includes plans for 130,000 meters of drilling. The company's progress on the project is on track, with the second processing circuit for hard ore expected to be operational in the second quarter of 2027.
The successful first gold pour at Koné demonstrates Montage Gold's ability to advance its projects efficiently. The company's focus now shifts to ramping up production and completing the development of the mine's processing capabilities. The project's progress aligns with Montage Gold's goals for growth and expansion in Côte d'Ivoire.
As the Koné mine moves toward full production, it is expected to contribute significantly to Côte d'Ivoire's economy and mining sector. The project's development and future operations will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and the Ivoirian government.
Key points
- The Koné gold mine produced its first 42 kg of gold in September 2026.
- The mine's construction phase created 3,600 jobs, mostly for Ivoirian workers.
- The project aims for over 300,000 ounces of gold production annually.
