The Australian group Turaco Gold announced on Monday, November 9, that it has awarded GR Engineering Services a contract worth approximately 20 million Australian dollars for the definitive feasibility study, detailed design, and procurement preparation of the Afema gold project in southeastern Côte d’Ivoire.
The mission covers the entire processing plant, including earthworks, concrete, metal structures, mechanical equipment, piping, electricity, and control systems. GR Engineering must also prepare cost estimates and the documentation required for tenders and future purchases.
The contractor had already initiated the initial engineering work under a letter of intent. Turaco thus plans to carry out the final study and detailed design in parallel. The contract does not constitute a decision to build the mine, and the initial work on the site remains subject to obtaining permits as well as the approval of the board of directors.
The prefeasibility study published in June envisions a plant with a capacity of six million tonnes of ore per year. It projects an average production of approximately 200,000 ounces of gold per year over 10.3 years and estimates the initial development investment at 410 million US dollars.
The project has an estimated mineral resource of 4.65 million ounces of gold and a probable reserve of 1.91 million ounces. It is located in the Aboisso department, in the Sud-Comoé region, near the border with Ghana.
Afema is covered by a mining permit of 227 square kilometers and by a mining convention with the Ivorian state. Turaco aims to complete the definitive feasibility study in the second quarter of 2027.
