The Australian exploration company Mako Gold Limited announces this Monday, August 21, 2023 the discovery of a deposit of manganese potentially “of global importance” in Ouangolodougou, in the north of Ivory Coast. According to the company, the grade of the intersected ore is similar to that of several mineral producer/developer groups listed on the ASX (Australian Stock Exchange) where it is also present.
This discovery comes as part of its Korhogo project, which it owns 100% and consists of the Ouangolodougou permit, where the drilling was carried out, and the Korhogo Nord permit. The briefing note also mentions the possibility of making more significant discoveries, “given that only 257 metres of the 500 metres drilled have been analysed to date”.
Given the satisfactory level of manganese found and ‘flush to the surface’, the Korhogo project is likely to become one of Côte d’Ivoire’s next manganese mines, said Peter Ledwidge, the company’s managing director.
With this discovery, Mako Gold plans to “enter the race for critical minerals for batteries”. Besides manganese, the company plans, a diamond research program once the manganese ore exploration work is completed.
Côte d’Ivoire currently has four manganese mines in operation, in Bondoukou (east), Guitry (southwest), Kaniasso and Lagnonkaha, in the north of the country. Production rose from just over 207,000 tonnes in 2016 to over 929,000 tonnes in 2022 (up 349%), after reaching 1.18 million tonnes in 2019.
Note that manganese is considered the fourth most used metal in the world after iron, aluminum and copper. It is used in the manufacture of steel for the construction sector (beams, body plates, oil pipes, etc.) and the automotive sector. It is also found in electric vehicle batteries but also in the manufacture of batteries, electronic circuits and even in the food industry.
Source: Sikafinance/ By Jean-Marc Gogbeu
