Mining development in West Africa is entering a new growth phase shaped around the development of more technically complex projects, particularly underground mining opportunities; higher environmental, social and governance (ESG) expectations; and increasingly capital-intensive development pathways that require strong, long-term partnerships, says precious metals miner Fortuna Mining West Africa government and external affairs VP Dr Abdoul Camara.

Fortuna is pursuing a clear and disciplined approach of investing responsibly in a structured and sustainable manner while building long-term partnerships with governments, communities and local stakeholders, he adds.

To properly effect this approach, Fortuna Mining’s attendance at this year’s West African Mining & Power Expo (WAMPEX) – to be held from June 3 to 5, at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, Ghana – will be driven by a clear objective to further consolidate the company’s position as a major role-player in West Africa.

WAMPEX serves as a lever to prepare and secure future investments, allowing for alignment with market standards, the identification of the right partners and strengthening the technical and economic viability of the company’s growth strategy in West Africa, he says.

Fortuna’s presence at the event will reflect several strategic priorities, including affirming its regional leadership through a portfolio of producing and development-stage assets, and advancing key growth projects, such as the plant expansion study and underground mining opportunity at the Séguéla mine, in Côte d’Ivoire.

In addition, the development of the Diamba Sud gold project, in Senegal, and the launch of Fortuna Mining’s exploration portfolio, an initiative in Guinea, are projects the company also aims to progress in the medium term.

Fortuna Mining also aims to strengthen strategic partnerships across financial, technical and institutional channels while engaging with innovative solutions in areas such as underground mining, digitalisation, energy and ESG performance, says Camara.

Who’s Who in the West

Fortuna Mining will, over the next 12 months, glean insights gained from the expo to support the continued advancement of Séguéla’s underground mining, including technical benchmarking and engagement with specialised service providers.

“These insights will also inform the evaluation of targeted partnerships, particularly with suppliers focused on underground mining, mining infrastructure and energy solutions, as well as the identification of technical partners and solutions to support the company’s broader growth initiatives in West Africa, including early-stage exploration opportunities,” says Séguéla mine Côte d’Ivoire country manager Amédée N’Guessan, who will represent Fortuna Mining at WAMPEX.

At WAMPEX, Fortuna Mining representatives will promote Séguéla as a flagship operation, particularly as the company advances underground mining opportunities at the Sunbird deposit.

Over a longer horizon of 24 to 36 months, engagements initiated during the expo may contribute to the potential development of underground mining, supported by fit-for-purpose technical and operating solutions, says N’Guessan.

“These engagements may also support the advancement of Diamba through collaboration with technical and financial partners aligned with the project’s development path,” says Diamba Sud gold project Senegal country manager Amadou Kah.

The progressive structuring of Fortuna Mining’s exploration portfolio in Guinea, through local and international partnerships over the longer term, will be explored, he concludes.