Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire — Montage Gold Corp. has confirmed rapid construction progress at its flagship Koné gold project in northern Côte d’Ivoire, with the company now targeting its first gold pour in late Q4-2026, according to a corporate press release issued on January 19, 2026.
The Canadian-listed miner said the project remains on budget, with approximately US$545 million already committed—representing about 63 percent of total upfront capital expenditure—as construction milestones continue to be delivered ahead of schedule.
“A total of over 7.2 million construction hours have been worked since commencement, with key milestones achieved across the process plant and infrastructure,” Montage said in the statement.
Major Milestones at Côte d’Ivoire Gold Project
Montage said critical components of the Koné processing plant are now in place, including the erection of all 14 carbon-in-leach (CIL) tanks, completion of the oxide sizer, and delivery of the ball mill shell to site in mid-January.
“The delivery of the ball mill shell on site marks a critical milestone on our journey,” said Peder Olsen, President and Chief Development Officer of Montage. “Together with our construction achievements, this positions us to target first gold pour through an oxide circuit start-up in late Q4-2026.”
Civil works for the ball mill have been completed, while installation of structural steel, piperacks and grid mesh is now underway. Construction of the hard-rock comminution circuit remains on track for completion in Q2-2027, the company added.
Côte d’Ivoire Emerges as Key Gold Producer
The Koné project is expected to become one of Côte d’Ivoire’s largest gold mines, with projected annual production exceeding 300,000 ounces during its first eight years and an estimated mine life of at least 16 years.
Montage Chief Executive Officer Martino De Ciccio said the pace of development reflects the company’s broader ambition in West Africa.
“We are very pleased with the momentum generated thus far to advance our strategy of creating a premier multi-asset African gold producer,” De Ciccio said in the press release. “Construction at our flagship Koné project in Côte d’Ivoire continues to progress at a rapid pace, positioning us to target a first gold pour in late Q4-2026.”
Infrastructure, Power and Community Development
Beyond the process plant, Montage reported significant progress on supporting infrastructure, including completion of water storage facilities, early delivery of the tailings storage facility embankment wall, and rapid advancement of the high-voltage grid connection and 225kV substation.
The company also highlighted the completion of a permanent resettlement village, officially inaugurated in late 2025 and now fully occupied. The village includes housing, a school, a maternity hospital, a pharmacy, a market, religious buildings and a community centre.
“The successful completion of the resettlement village is a reflection of our strong partnerships with local stakeholders and our win-win approach to development,” Olsen said.
Expanded Exploration Across Côte d’Ivoire
According to the corporate update, Montage continues to prioritize exploration in Côte d’Ivoire. In 2025, the company drilled approximately 115,000 meters at Koné—well above its initial budget—leading to increased resources and the identification of new high-grade satellite targets, including Petit Yao.
Building on this success, Montage has launched a US$16 million drill programme for 2026, comprising 90,000 meters at the Koné project and 9,000 meters at the newly awarded Wendé advanced greenfield property, also located in Côte d’Ivoire.
“We are excited to commence drilling at Wendé this year with the goal of sourcing the next project through our ability to stake prospective ground and explore,” De Ciccio said.
Updated mineral resource estimates, including maiden resources for several satellite targets, are expected in the first quarter of 2026.
First Gold in Sight
With construction advancing on schedule, capital spending tracking expectations and exploration delivering new growth potential, Montage said it remains firmly on course to deliver first gold from Koné in late 2026.
“I’d like to thank our employees, contractors, financiers, local stakeholders and partners for their dedication as we continue to deliver on our collective goals,” De Ciccio said.
