A Presidential decree authorising the development and operation of the central mineralised area (CMA) underground project at ASX- and TSX-listed Perseus Mining’s Yaouré gold mine, in central Côte d’Ivoire, was granted on September 18 by President Alassane Ouattara.

The decree follows the approval of an environmental- and social-impact assessment and the issuance of a ministerial arrêté by Environment, Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition Minister Jacques Assahoré Konan in May. These approvals, supported by Mines, Petroleum and Energy Minister Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, were critical prerequisites for the start of the project’s development phase.

Infrastructure projects linked to the underground mine have already been completed and development of the declines will now begin following the commissioning of underground mining equipment by contractor Byrnecut.

The underground operation, which will be established beneath the existing CMA openpit, is expected to extend the Yaouré mine’s life until at least 2035, based on currently delineated mineral resources and ore reserves. With decline development now starting, the next milestone will be first ore production, planned for January 2026, followed by commercial production in March 2027.

“Receiving the presidential decree authorising the development of Côte d’Ivoire’s first underground mine is a major milestone for Perseus, allowing us to immediately proceed with the cutting of portals and ultimately gaining access to further important ore sources for processing through the Yaouré facility.

“While receipt of the formal authorisation comes later than originally planned, the delay has allowed us time to complete all infrastructure works required to support the operation, as well as ensure that Byrnecut’s underground equipment is available and commissioned ready for immediate commencement of mining operations.

"The $170-million to be invested by Perseus in the CMA underground mine marks a new phase in our partnership with the government of Côte d’Ivoire in expanding its thriving mining industry,” Perseus CEO and MD Jeff Quartermaine said.