Green Mining in Côte d’Ivoire: Driving Sustainability and Building Local Capacity

Five years ago, I had the privilege of traveling to Korhogo in northern Côte d’Ivoire to visit a client’s mining operations. It was my first time seeing the heart of the country’s mining industry up close, and I was thoroughly impressed. From the precision in operations to the efforts already underway to integrate local communities, I could see the sector’s potential to transform not just Côte d’Ivoire but the wider region.

Fast forward to today, and my conversation with Jean-Claude Diplo, the President of the Groupement Professionnel des Miniers de Côte d’Ivoire (GPMCI) at SIREXE, left me even more inspired. Côte d’Ivoire’s mining sector has evolved significantly, balancing its economic growth with sustainability goals, community integration, and skill development.

With the country’s mining code under revision, a private fund being established for local development, and a strong focus on decarbonisation, Côte d’Ivoire is setting the standard for sustainable and inclusive mining practices in Africa.

The Push for Decarbonisation in Mining

Jean-Claude Diplo was quick to highlight that the mining sector in Côte d’Ivoire is not engaging in greenwashing—the efforts toward decarbonisation are genuine and measurable. Companies are taking significant steps to reduce their environmental footprint, aligning their operations with global sustainability standards.

Here’s how the sector is leading the charge toward sustainable mining:

1. Energy Efficiency and Green Generation Most mines in Côte d’Ivoire are already connected to the national grid, which is largely powered by hydropower and gas. This gives mining companies a cleaner energy baseline compared to those relying solely on fossil fuels. Additionally, companies are now integrating solar energy solutions, ensuring a further reduction in emissions and paving the way for renewable energy adoption in industrial operations.
2. Water Management and Equipment Efficiency Improving water use and recycling has become a critical part of mining operations. Efficient water management not only reduces waste but also ensures that local communities’ access to clean water is not compromised.

In terms of equipment, mining companies are embracing newer, greener technologies to reduce emissions and improve overall operational efficiency.

1. Reforestation Projects Some companies, such as Jean-Claude Diplo’s Allied Gold Corp, are going a step further by initiating private forest projects. These efforts demonstrate that sustainability in mining isn’t just about reducing harm—it’s about actively contributing to environmental restoration.

The Local Private Fund: Driving Community and Economic Development

While sustainability is critical, Jean-Claude also emphasized the importance of building local capacity. This is where the newly established private fund for local development comes in.

The fund, supported by workers and companies in the mining sector, aims to address some of the most pressing challenges in Côte d’Ivoire’s mining communities. With a target of 20 billion FCFA in the short term and 145 billion FCFA over the next decade, the fund is designed to create lasting economic impact.

Key highlights of the fund include:

1. Supporting Local Projects The fund will prioritize projects that integrate directly into the mining value chain. This includes areas such as maintenance services, agro-business, local manufacturing, and process improvements.

By targeting these sectors, the fund ensures that the local economy benefits from mining activities, creating jobs and stimulating growth far beyond the mines themselves.

1. Skill Development One of the fund’s foundational commitments is to invest in developing local skillsets. The mining industry in Côte d’Ivoire recognizes that long-term sustainability starts with empowering the local workforce.

This focus on skills ensures that workers are not only equipped for mining operations but also prepared to take advantage of opportunities in related industries like manufacturing and technology.

1. Community Integration The fund also seeks to integrate communities into mining operations, ensuring that local populations feel like stakeholders in the industry’s success. This could include projects aimed at improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare in mining regions.

Such efforts strengthen the social license to operate while creating an ecosystem where communities and companies thrive together.

Mining and Côte d’Ivoire’s Future

Côte d’Ivoire’s mining sector has come a long way since the mining code of 2014, which attracted significant international investment. Today, the revision of the mining code, coupled with initiatives like the private fund and decarbonisation efforts, ensures that the sector continues to grow in a sustainable and inclusive manner.

Jean-Claude’s insights revealed that the industry is not just focused on extracting precious resources like gold, manganese, and bauxite but is also actively working toward creating lasting value for local communities and the environment.

From the steps being taken to improve energy efficiency to the innovative projects funded by the new private initiative, Côte d’Ivoire is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable mining practices across Africa.

Wrapping up

As I reflect on my experiences in Côte d’Ivoire, from Korhogo five years ago to my recent discussions at SIREXE, one thing is clear: the mining sector’s success is a shared responsibility. Governments, companies, and communities must continue to collaborate to ensure that mining activities benefit everyone involved.

Côte d’Ivoire’s mining sector is proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. It’s not just about extracting value from the earth—it’s about building value for generations to come.

#SustainableMining #CoteDIvoire #MiningInnovation #GreenEnergy #Decarbonisation #YouthEmpowerment #AfricaRising

 Tony Tiyou is the founder and CEO of Renewables in Africa (RiA) is a Clean Energy Company raising Awareness about Renewable Energy in Africa and across the globe.

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