Côte d’Ivoire gold output to reach 22 t by 2016

Côte d’Ivoire gold output is expected to reach 22 t in 2016, an increase of around 30% from 2014 estimates, due to the start-ups of two new mines, the country's mines minister said last Thursday, Mining Weekly reports.
Ivorian gold production was 15.5 t in 2013 and is due to reach 17 t this year as the cocoa-growing West African nation seeks to encourage development of its long-neglected mining sector in an effort to diversify its economy from agriculture.
The West African country is an economic powerhouse for the region with growth expected to top 9 percent this year, helped by rising foreign investment and increasing demand for commodities.
"We are currently at more than 15 t, and we expect close to 20 t between now and 2015 and 22 t in 2016," Jean-Claude Brou told reporters at a press conference.
Around 140 exploration permits have been allocated, the minister adding, and this will help expand future production.
Brou said two new mines being built this year were expected to start production by 2016, without giving their names.
Canada's Endeavour Mining opened its Agbaou gold mine earlier this year, with annual production expected to reach three tonnes. Randgold and Newcrest are other large operators in Côte d’Ivoire's mining sector.