Perseus Mining has secured a presidential decree for the development and operation of the CMA underground project at its Yaouré Gold Mine in Côte d’Ivoire.

With the establishment of the underground operation beneath the CMA open pit, the Yaouré Gold Mine is expected to be operational until at least 2035, as per the presently delineated mineral resource and ore reserves.

Infrastructure works for the CMA underground mine are complete, and decline development will now begin following the commissioning of underground mining equipment by Perseus’ specialist contractor, Byrnecut.

The next key milestone for the CMA underground operation is first ore production, targeted for January 2026. Commercial production is scheduled to follow in March 2027.

Perseus CEO and managing director Jeff Quartermaine said: “Receiving the Presidential Decree authorising the development of Côte d’Ivoire’s first underground mine is a major milestone for Perseus, allowing us to immediately proceed with the cutting of portals and ultimately gaining access to further important ore sources for processing through the Yaouré processing facility.

“While receipt of the formal authorisation comes later than originally planned, the delay has allowed us time to complete all infrastructure works required to support the operation as well as ensure that Byrnecut’s underground equipment is available and commissioned ready for immediate commencement of mining operations.”

The Presidential Decree comes after the approval of an environmental and social impact assessment and a Ministerial Arrêté by the Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition in May this year.

Earlier this year, the company took a final investment decision on the development of the CMA underground project.

Quartermaine added: “The $170m [A$257.92m] to be invested by Perseus in the CMA underground mine marks a new phase in our partnership with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire in expanding its thriving mining industry.”