Canadian mining company Montage Gold Corp. has significantly bolstered its exploration portfolio in West Africa with the acquisition of two new permits in Côte d'Ivoire. The move strategically expands the company's flagship Koné project and introduces a new, high-potential greenfield property to its asset base.
Strategic Expansion of the Koné Project
The Ivorian government, through its ministries of Mines, Petroleum and Energy; Finance and Budget; and the Environment, Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, has formally granted the permits. The first, the Gbatosso exploration permit (PR0875), adds a substantial 381 square kilometres to the Koné project's land package.
This expansion increases the total Koné project area to 1,699 square kilometres, solidifying its position as one of West Africa's largest gold projects by land area. The newly acquired Gbatosso land is strategically located along the strike extension of two major mineralized trends already identified on the property—the Lokolo and Yeré trends. Crucially, it is situated within practical trucking distance to the planned Koné processing plant, enhancing its economic potential.
The Koné project is known for its seven mineralized trends, which host over 50 identified targets. The company reports that all 23 targets drill-tested throughout 2024 and 2025 have confirmed mineralization, demonstrating the project's consistent prospectivity.
Adding a New Greenfield Opportunity
Beyond expanding its core project, Montage Gold has also been granted the Wendé permit (PR1044). This advanced greenfield exploration property covers approximately 107 square kilometres and is located along the prolific Ouango-Fitini shear zone, a major north-south mineralized corridor known for hosting significant gold deposits.
The Wendé property is in close proximity to several other established gold mining operations. Historical exploration work on the site has already revealed a promising 7 square kilometre gold-in-soil anomaly, with sample assays grading over 100 parts per billion (ppb). Montage plans to initiate exploration activities at Wendé in early 2026, starting with geochemical and geophysical surveys followed by drilling on the most prospective targets.
Positioning for Future Growth
Martino De Ciccio, CEO of Montage, stated that the grant of these permits reflects strong support from local stakeholders and reinforces the company's commitment to its partnership model in Côte d'Ivoire. He emphasized that the company's strategy is focused on creating a premier multi-asset African gold producer.
"With construction at the Koné project rapidly advancing, remaining on-budget and well on-schedule, we are well positioned to unlock significant exploration value," De Ciccio commented. He noted that the recently announced acquisition of African Gold, which includes the Didievi project, is expected to provide near-term resource growth, while the Wendé property offers the potential to organically source the company's next major project.
The company's construction efforts at the Koné project continue to progress as planned. This latest expansion provides Montage Gold with additional avenues for resource growth, leveraging its established technical expertise and regional presence to explore these newly acquired, highly prospective lands.
