The Exploratory Study and Action Plan on Sustainable Critical Raw Materials (CRM) in Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire’s mining sector is undergoing significant growth, driven by structural reforms, increased production, and an ambition to position mining as a key pillar of national economic development. While gold remains the dominant resource, the country also holds substantial potential in critical raw materials (CRMs) such as manganese, copper, bauxite, and nickel. With rising demand in the European Union, Côte d’Ivoire is emerging as a strategic partner.
In this context, the EU seeks to deepen its understanding of the Ivorian mining landscape to inform strategic engagement under its Global Gateway initiative and the Critical Raw Materials Act. This study aims to analyze the sector’s regulatory, economic, and environmental dimensions; identify opportunities for sustainable collaboration; and recommend actionable pathways for EU involvement in responsible and resilient CRM value chains in Côte d’Ivoire.
The project supports the EU Delegation to Côte d’Ivoire in identifying opportunities for strategic cooperation and investment in the country’s CRM value chains. Through a comprehensive sectoral analysis, the project assesses geological potential, regulatory and governance frameworks, ESG challenges, infrastructure needs, and investment opportunities. This analysis informs the formulation of actionable strategies for EU engagement, aiming to develop resilient, sustainable, and diversified CRM value chains that contribute to Côte d’Ivoire’s economic growth and the EU’s supply security.
The study’s findings will guide the design of future EU interventions, including technical assistance, governance improvements, and infrastructure investments. This aligns with the broader EU objectives of promoting responsible sourcing, local value addition, and sustainable development while supporting Côte d’Ivoire’s ambitions to strengthen its mining sector and integrate into global CRM supply chains.
