Dolourgokaha, a settlement of over 500 inhabitants located in the sub-prefecture of Dianra (Béré region), was relocated by the Canadian mining company Montage Gold as part of its "Koné" gold mine construction project. This operation, carried out prior to the mining phase and in accordance with regulations, provided a new living environment for the affected population.

The camp was relocated approximately 7 km from its former site , expanding to cover an area of 20 hectares near the village of Gbongougo, of which it is now a district. A 40-hectare plot of land was acquired from Gbongougo, with the remaining area reserved for future expansion.

Major socio-economic infrastructures

The relocation project included the construction of numerous essential infrastructures, meeting the expectations of the local populations:

1. 210 modern apartments with two to four rooms.
2. 5.2 billion CFA francs total investment.
3. Health and educational facilities: A three-classroom primary school with accommodation for three teachers, a community center, and in Gbongougo, a maternity ward with accommodation for the midwife, as well as a dispensary with accommodation for the nurse.
4. Other amenities: 64 latrines, 116 kitchens, 51 latrine-showers, four boreholes for drinking water, two shops, a mosque, a church and a covered market in Gbongougo.

A decisive step and a development model

The handover ceremony, presided over on Friday, November 28 by Coulibaly Seydou, Director General of Mines and Geology, brought together customary, political, religious and administrative authorities.

Coulibaly Seydou welcomed the completion of the project, emphasizing that it marks a decisive step and is "perfectly aligned with the expectations expressed by the local population." He added that this project proves that mining, when properly regulated, can be a genuine driver of development for the regions.

The minister's representative also congratulated the village of Gbongougo for its hospitality and called on the people of Dolourgokaha to take ownership of and preserve the new infrastructure.

Montage Gold's commitment: A fair and transparent process

Pierre N'Guessan, Country Director of Montage Gold, reaffirmed the company's commitment to conducting this delicate operation "with the utmost dignity" and scrupulously respecting Ivorian regulations and international best practices.

The company's "absolute priority" was to guarantee a fair, equitable and transparent process, aimed at ensuring that the people of Dolourgokaha enjoyed a standard of living equal to or higher than that which they previously enjoyed.

The country director also highlighted that the project was completed in just seven months and expressed his gratitude to the authorities for their crucial role in advancing the work.

💰 A world-class deposit creating opportunities

The Koné gold mine is a deposit of international importance with estimated resources of 152 tonnes of gold and a lifespan of 20 years. It is the first major mining project in Côte d'Ivoire.

1. Investment: 489 billion FCFA.
2. Jobs: 2,500 direct jobs during the construction phase and more than 1,000 during the operational phase.
3. Local benefits: Estimated at 19.8 billion FCFA for local development (infrastructure and community actions).

The concept of Local Content is at the heart of the project. The new camp was built with the participation of 18 local companies (out of 22 selected) from the Woroba and Poro regions, creating 492 jobs during the construction.

"This is proof that our mining project is a powerful engine of regional economic development and a creator of opportunities for local youth," concluded Oi N'Guessan Pierre N'Guessan.

Koné Lama, president of the Gbongougo development mutual, took the opportunity to submit some grievances to the company, including the recruitment and training of young people, the creation of employment opportunities for women and young people, the financing of community projects and the regular maintenance of roads.