Issia, Ivory Coast – A significant deposit of coltan, a mineral integral to the high-tech industry, has been discovered in the Issia area of central-west Ivory Coast, marking a first for the region.
According to Burkina Information Agency, general director of the Ivory Coast Mining Development Company (Sodemi), this discovery positions the company as one of the pioneers in West Africa in the exploration of coltan. Sodemi has formed a joint venture with the state-owned Ivoire Coltan (IC) and a Chinese partner to develop the deposit. The share distribution of the joint company includes 51% for Sodemi, 39% for the Chinese partner, and 10% for the Ivorian government.
Ivory Coast is already known for its production of several minerals including gold, nickel, manganese, and bauxite. The addition of coltan, crucial for the manufacturing of cell phones and computers, enhances the country’s mining portfolio. The world’s largest reserves of coltan are in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in regions currently affected by conflict.
The discovery in Issia is particularly noteworthy as the area is home to a substantial Burkinabè community, drawn by robust agricultural activities.