Interview
TT: I’d like to understand how you are tackling the energy transition, encouraging your members to decarbonize, and what role events like SIREXE play in this process.
JC: Sure. My name is Jean Diplo, and I am the current President of the Chamber of Mines of Côte d’Ivoire, which represents the country’s mining sector.
The GPMCI was created about 15 years ago as the voice of the industry, covering everything from upstream exploration to downstream activities, including mining and related services. Today, we have nearly 80 members, representing major mining companies and related service providers across the country.
Our members are engaged in a range of activities, primarily focused on precious metals like gold, but we are also seeing emerging opportunities in manganese, nickel, graphite, and chrome.
TT: What is the Chamber’s role in advancing the industry, and how do you interact with the government?
JC: Our main role is to defend the interests of our members and collaborate with the government to develop a conducive legal framework for the mining industry. We are fortunate to have an excellent dialogue with the government, which has been one of the key reasons for our success over the last decade.
For example, in 2014, we worked with the government to implement a mining code that was internationally praised for its attractiveness. This legal foundation enabled significant mining discoveries and project commissions in Côte d’Ivoire.
We are now collaborating on revising this mining code to adapt to current industry trends and challenges.
TT: Today, you signed a new agreement. Can you tell us more about its significance?
JC: Yes, today we launched a private fund aimed at developing local content within the mining sector. This is essentially a private equity or trust fund that workers in the industry will contribute to, supported by the mining companies.
The fund’s purpose is to finance projects from within the mining value chain that directly benefit the workers. For example, if a worker has an idea for a maintenance, catering, or agro-business project related to mining but faces challenges securing traditional bank loans, this fund will provide easy access to financing.
TT: How does the Chamber tackle the energy transition and encourage members to decarbonize operations?
JC: This is a critical question because sustainability is now a global priority. Mining companies in Côte d’Ivoire are fully aligned with international efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Many companies have already started incorporating solar energy to address the power insufficiencies in the country. For instance:
- Roxgold and Lafigue are building solar farms.
- My own company, Bonique Global Mine Allied, is also planning to transition to solar power.
We are focusing on energy efficiency across all operations, including automation, optimized fleet management, and better instrumentation. Additionally, companies are taking action to offset emissions. For example, my company is developing a private forest to capture carbon and preserve endangered species.
TT: That’s impressive. What types of projects will the new fund finance?
JC: The fund will prioritize projects within the mining value chain, such as:
- Maintenance services for mining operations.
- Catering services to support mining workers.
- Agro-business initiatives to diversify local economies.
- Processing and manufacturing plants, like local limestone grinding facilities to support mining processes.
We’ve already built a portfolio of potential projects, and the fund will be governed by an advisory board to evaluate and approve them.
TT: Do you have a target for this fund?
JC: Yes. Over the next three years, the fund aims to reach 45 billion CFA. Looking further ahead, by 2034, we are targeting 1.45 billion CFA—approximately $200 million USD.
This projection assumes contributions from half of the industry’s current workforce, which is about 12,000 people. However, the mining workforce is growing rapidly, so we expect to exceed these targets.
TT: This conference focuses heavily on sustainable development. How are your members ensuring sustainability across their operations?
JC: Sustainability involves three key elements:
- Workforce Development: Investing heavily in skills training and capacity building to ensure a sustainable talent pipeline.
- Financing Tools: Providing innovative financing mechanisms—like the fund we discussed—to empower local businesses and workers.
- Community and Environmental Integration: Ensuring that mining operations positively impact local communities and the environment.
For example, we focus on green initiatives, such as efficient water and energy management, while also addressing emissions through sustainable practices. This is part of our commitment to operating responsibly.
TT: Thank you for your insights. It’s clear that Côte d’Ivoire’s mining sector is not just growing but also embracing sustainability. Do you have any final words?
JC: Thank you. Côte d’Ivoire has immense potential to become a regional hub for the mining and energy industries in West Africa. I hope the success we’re achieving here can serve as an example for other countries in the region.
TT: Excellent. Thank you very much, and congratulations on today’s achievements.
JC: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.
