Côte d’Ivoire’s Bonikro gold mine will continue operations until 2036, extending its lifespan by seven years beyond the previously expected closure date of 2029, according to operator Allied Gold. The development marks a significant boost for the country’s long-term gold production strategy as the mining sector continues to expand.
The extension is primarily driven by the inclusion of new mineral reserves from the Oumé deposit into the mine plan. These additional reserves are expected to sustain production and support average annual output of more than 120,000 ounces of gold, compared with 100,678 ounces produced in 2025.
Alongside the reserve update, Allied Gold is planning upgrades to the site’s processing plant capacity. These investments are aimed at stabilizing and increasing production levels at the Bonikro complex, which also includes the Agbaou mine, forming a key part of the company’s Côte d’Ivoire operations.
Côte d’Ivoire has set an ambitious national target of producing 100 tonnes of gold annually over the coming decade. The country’s output has already grown significantly, rising from around 20 tonnes in 2014 to more than 59 tonnes in 2025, reflecting rapid expansion in the mining sector.
Major upcoming mining projects, including Koné, Assafou, and Doropo, are expected to play a role in reaching this target. The extended life of Bonikro further strengthens the country’s production base and supports long-term supply stability.
The development also comes at a transitional moment for Allied Gold, which is in the process of being acquired by China’s Zijin Mining Group. If completed, the takeover could influence future operational decisions and investment plans for Bonikro and other assets in the company’s portfolio.
Overall, the extension reinforces Côte d’Ivoire’s position as a growing gold producer in West Africa, while highlighting the importance of resource expansion and investment in sustaining long-term mining output.
