Aurum Resources has cleared a major regulatory hurdle with three environmental certificates granted for its 3.22Moz Boundiali Gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire, bringing the project closer to mining licence approval.
- Three EIESA certificates issued covering all Boundiali mining licence applications
- Environmental approval is mandatory for mining licence grant in Côte d’Ivoire
- Pre-Feasibility Study expected this quarter; DFS scheduled for late 2026
- 16 diamond rigs actively drilling to expand resource
- Strong cash position of A$61 million supports development
Environmental Approval Clears Key Regulatory Hurdle
Aurum Resources (ASX:AUE) has received three critical Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (EIESA) certificates from the Côte d’Ivoire Ministry of Environment, covering its entire 572.67km² mining licence application area at the Boundiali Gold Project. This regulatory milestone is a prerequisite for mining licence approval under Ivorian law, significantly de-risking the development of the 3.22 million ounce gold project.
The certificates, issued on 20 May 2026, cover the BST, BD, and BM tenements, reflecting a comprehensive 12-month Category A environmental assessment process that included public inquiries and a multi-ministry technical review in Abidjan. Aurum’s Managing Director Dr Caigen Wang described the milestone as transformational, highlighting strong government and community support that underpins the project’s advancement.
Resource Growth and Feasibility Studies Progressing
With environmental approvals secured, Aurum is poised to advance its mining licence applications currently under review by the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum & Energy. The company remains on track to deliver its Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) this quarter, followed by a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) scheduled for Q4 2026. These studies will be critical in refining the project’s development plan and capital requirements.
Resource expansion continues apace, supported by Aurum’s fleet of 16 company-owned diamond rigs operating around the clock to grow the Boundiali resource base. Recent drilling at the BDT2 deposit has revealed multiple thick, high-grade gold intersections, reinforcing the project’s robust resource profile and development potential. This drilling momentum complements the company’s strong cash position of A$61 million as of 31 March 2026, enabling sustained exploration and study activities.
Strategic Tenement Holdings and JV Arrangements
The Boundiali Gold Project spans seven contiguous exploration tenements within a prolific West African greenstone belt hosting major gold mines such as Resolute’s Syama and Montage Gold’s Koné projects. Aurum holds a 100% beneficial interest in the BST tenement and an 80% earn-in across the BD and BM tenements, with pathways to increase to 88% ownership. The Ivorian government retains a 10% free-carried interest in the future production company, a standard local arrangement.
Alongside Boundiali, Aurum’s portfolio includes the 1.16Moz Napié Gold Project and additional strategic exploration permits offering further growth opportunities. The company’s integrated approach combines resource growth, environmental compliance, and feasibility studies to advance towards production readiness.
Positioning for Mining Licence and Development
The granting of the EIESA certificates removes a significant regulatory barrier, allowing the mining licence applications to progress with environmental clearance firmly in hand. Aurum’s methodical approach to regulatory compliance and resource expansion positions it well to meet its development timeline, aiming to transition from resource holder to gold producer.
Investors will note the continuity in Aurum’s operational execution, with the company maintaining a strong financial footing and drilling capacity to support its ambitious growth and development plans. The recent thick high-grade intercepts at BDT2 and the resource growth to 3Moz underpin the project’s advancing scale and potential.
Bottom Line?
Environmental approvals clear a vital regulatory step, but mining licence grant and feasibility outcomes remain pivotal for Boundiali’s next phase.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Aurum’s upcoming DFS refine capital and operational plans for Boundiali?
- What timeline can be expected for mining licence grant following environmental approvals?
- How might ongoing drilling results impact resource estimates and project valuation?