Interview with Martino De Ciccio, Chief Executive Officer, Montage Gold

• Investor interest in West African gold remains strong despite global market volatility. What makes the region so compelling right now?

Quote from Martino De Ciccio, CEO of Montage Gold: “Now is a good time to be developing our multi-asset portfolio in West Africa from many perspectives. The region remains underexplored and hosts favourable geology for many different commodities, whilst high-quality infrastructure and a strong labour pool highlights the strength of this region to be able to quickly develop projects. Importantly, the region remains pro-mining, evidenced by an 85% increase in gold production in West Africa since 2014, and specifically in Côte d’Ivoire where timelines from discovery to production are amongst the shortest in the world. At Montage, we believe our win-win partnerships and the trust and confidence in the way we operate has been an important factor in our ability to rapidly unlock value for our stakeholders in this compelling region.

• Advancing a major mining project requires navigating financing, permitting and community relations simultaneously — what lessons have you learned along that journey?

Quote from Martino De Ciccio, CEO of Montage Gold: “Our team have significant experience in developing mining operations in West Africa, with our senior executive team responsible for the discovery of over 20Moz of gold and the construction of 5 mines over the last 12 years. From the outset, we foster strong local relationships and provide significant employment and business creation opportunities to local stakeholders, ensuring all stakeholders realise the benefits of our projects. Our teams embed best-in-class ESG practices into all aspects of our business, which through transparent permitting processes provides trust and cooperation with government and local stakeholders, and our financing strategy seeks to ensure the greatest creation of value to all our stakeholders, aiming to provide longevity and sustainability to our projects.”

• How important is policy stability in your decision-making, and what do governments need to do to build genuine long-term investor confidence?

Quote from Martino De Ciccio, CEO of Montage Gold. “Côte d’Ivoire emerged as a high-quality mining jurisdiction following the implementation of a robust regulatory framework. Gold production has grown by nearly 400% since 2014, reflecting the strength and stability of the country to attract investment. Montage seeks to develop win-win partnerships with governments in jurisdictions where it can invest with confidence, ensuring that all stakeholders can benefit from the quality and stability of the jurisdictions in which we operate.” 

• ESG expectations from investors and lenders have risen sharply. How is Montage Gold responding to that, and do you see it as a challenge or a differentiator?

Quote from Martino De Ciccio: “Earlier this year, we published our inaugural ESG report, serving as a commitment to our broader stakeholder group that we will act responsibly in everything we do—protecting our people, safeguarding the environment, and operating with integrity. In doing so, we aspire to contribute positively to the broader mining industry, which is becoming increasingly globally relevant and essential to sustainable development.”

• What is the key message you want delegates to leave MOTA 2026 with? 

Quote from Martino De Ciccio: “Montage places a strong emphasis on win-win partnerships with governments and local stakeholders. We continue to receive strong support in Côte d’Ivoire which has contributed to the success at our flagship Koné project, which is one of the largest builds worldwide and will be the largest gold mine in the country once in production. Our Didievi and Wendé properties are also advancing well, and our ambition is to continue this growth in Côte d’Ivoire, underpinned by the win-win partnerships we have developed. In Mauritania, we are pleased to be receiving similar support following the grant of over 2,000km2 of prospective exploration tenements. We look forward to continuing on our journey of creating a premier, multi-asset African gold producer and unlocking value for all stakeholders.