Interview with Dr. Abdoul Karim Kabele Camara, Vice-President, Government & External Affairs, West Africa, Fortuna Mining Corp
- Why invest in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal rather than in other countries where mining is permitted?
Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal offer a relatively stable political and macroeconomic environment, which is essential for long-term mining investments. Both countries have favorable legal and regulatory frameworks, providing the legal certainty and fiscal stability that are indispensable for projects with lifecycles spanning several decades.
The sector’s momentum is particularly evident in Côte d’Ivoire, where domestic gold production rose from approximately 25 metric tons in 2015 to nearly 58 metric tons in 2024. The government now aims to reach 63 metric tons by 2026 and 69 metric tons by 2030.
The geological potential remains largely unexplored, offering significant opportunities for new discoveries and growth.
Governments have demonstrated a strong commitment to developing a competitive and responsible mining sector.
At Fortuna, we invest as much in people, partnerships, and communities as we do in mineral resources.
- What truly sets Fortuna apart from its competitors in West Africa?
Fortuna develops world-class assets with a vision of creating sustainable value.
Our Séguéla mine is currently the Group’s main producing asset, with production of 83,699 ounces of gold (approximately 2.6 metric tons) in the first half of 2026.
We prioritize responsible and transparent governance.
We adhere to international best practices in ESG and the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR).
We maintain an ongoing dialogue with communities and authorities.
We place a central emphasis on developing local content, national suppliers, and local skills.
Our ambition is to create balanced value for shareholders, governments, and communities.
- What are Fortuna’s main growth drivers in West Africa today?
The ongoing optimization of our operations remains a key driver of our performance.
In Séguéla, our production target for 2026 is between 160,000 and 170,000 ounces of gold.
The discoveries made at Kingfisher, Sunbird, and Badior significantly bolster the mining district’s potential.
The development of the underground project and the planned expansion of the processing plant to approximately 2.3 million metric tons per year will support our future growth.
We are continuing to make significant investments in exploration to extend the life of our assets.
Innovation, financial discipline, and operational excellence remain at the heart of our strategy.
- How does Fortuna create value for governments and communities in concrete terms?
For governments
We contribute to public finances through income taxes, excise taxes, mining royalties, and other tax contributions.
Our investments support economic growth, exports, and infrastructure development.
We promote the development of a sustainable local value chain.
For communities
We prioritize local employment and the development of national skills.
We strengthen local content by supporting Ivorian and Senegalese companies and suppliers.
We invest in community projects related to education, health, access to water, and infrastructure.
We place respect for human rights, environmental protection, and dialogue with stakeholders at the heart of our approach.
Our goal is to leave a sustainable economic and social legacy that extends far beyond the lifespan of our mines.
- 83% of employees are local;
- 37 community investment projects completed, totaling 420,335,453 CFA francs invested in communities, and a contribution to the Mining Development Fund (FDLM) of 1,524,291,111 CFA francs;
- A Livelihood Restoration Program (PRMS) for people affected by the project—a three-part program in partnership with ANADER:
▪ 8 beneficiaries of a sheep-raising project
▪ 30 hectares of fields rehabilitated for 22 beneficiaries
▪ 40 women trained in processing cashew apples into finished products
- What is Fortuna’s vision for its activities in West Africa by 2030? English
To consolidate our position among the most responsible gold producers in West Africa.
Pursue profitable and sustainable growth through the exploration and development of new projects.
Extend the life of our assets by leveraging the potential of districts such as Séguéla, where recent exploration successes are opening up new development opportunities.
- Strengthen our regional presence through a portfolio of high-quality assets.
- To be a strategic partner to governments in the development of the mining sector.
- Be recognized as a leading employer and a leader in ESG, governance, safety, and human rights.
- Continue to make the mining industry a driver of sustainable prosperity for the countries and communities where we operate.
