Australian (ASX) Stock Market Forum

West Africa and Gold

West Africa is continuously referred to as a “hotspot” for gold mining these days. I am looking to pick up shares in a company that will take off, someone has suggested Volta Mining. Any thoughts?
hope you didn't blow your dough, Alan (<<Joined 28 November 2011; 5 posts; Last seen 9 January 2012>>)

 
Was trying to find a West African Coups thread and this is as close as I could find.

This time, it's Burkina Faso. Not sure who is mining gold there.

Mutinous soldiers announce overthrow of Burkina Faso president



I know little about and have always tried to avoid any investments in West Africa or Western Africa as it is also known. A quick look at Wikipedia will fill in anyone interested on the region. It certainly has it's fair share of problems.

Interestingly the Wikipedia page does not mention Russia nor Ukraine which both have military/influence assets in the area. I found an article from "The Conversation" a preachy little site full of Guardian readers which if you can sift through the woke propaganda gives a useful update on affairs in the dunny of civilisation and Mali in particular.



gg
 
Ivory Coast has become the latest African state to kick all French soldiers (600) out of the country. Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara made the announcement in his end-of-year address.

France has earlier been forced to leave Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal and Chad have previously France has now been kicked out of more than 70% of African countries where it had a troop presence since ending its colonial rule in the 1960s.

French troops will now remain only in Djibouti, with 1,500 soldiers, and Gabon, with 350 troops.
 
Must read for punters thinking about WAf investments.

It's still risk v reward to me.

Could lose everything or make a motza.

I think I'm in front, so far.


(Kitco News) - Resolving an escalating dispute in Mali could significantly shape how investors view West Africa, Barrick Gold CEO Mark Bristow told Kitco Mining at the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The standoff between Barrick and the Malian government has intensified, with authorities accusing the company of owing more than $500 million in taxes—a claim Barrick denies. The government's actions have included detaining employees, issuing an arrest warrant for Bristow, restricting gold shipments from the Loulo-Gounkoto mining complex, and seizing gold worth approximately $245 million. These measures forced Barrick to temporarily suspend operations at the site earlier this week.

"This is a dynamic situation," Bristow told Kitco Mining. "We are very focused on finding a solution."

Mali has been central to Bristow's career, serving as a cornerstone for Randgold Resources, where he was CEO before its 2019 merger with Barrick.

Bristow expressed dismay over the current situation, emphasizing Mali's role in shaping his business legacy and the company's long-standing contribution to the country's economy.

"Mali is the very foundation of my business development," Bristow said. "We've had a strong relationship with the people and the many governments of Mali over time."

Broader Implications for Africa

Bristow warned that the Malian government's actions could create a perception of instability among global investors, potentially discouraging investment not only in Mali but across Africa.

"This is an important conversation for Africa," Bristow explained, indicating the misunderstandings can lead to perceptions that governments will strongarm companies to increase their share of revenues.

Drawing on his experience growing up in post-apartheid South Africa, Bristow emphasized the importance of dialogue and transparency in resolving disputes.

"Mali was historically a magnet for investment," he said. "The question is, how do we restore that? Transparency and open dialogue are key to fostering trust and creating an environment where everyone benefits."
 
good luck.

"In a surprising turn of events on January 17, 2025, a convoy of over 100 vehicles - including tanks, trucks, IFVs, artillery, and other heavy equipment, rolled into Bamako, the multi-million capital of Mali, seemingly appearing out of nowhere..."

 
good luck.

"In a surprising turn of events on January 17, 2025, a convoy of over 100 vehicles - including tanks, trucks, IFVs, artillery, and other heavy equipment, rolled into Bamako, the multi-million capital of Mali, seemingly appearing out of nowhere..."


I sold everything in WAf a while ago because @finicky told me to.

I'm sure you're following Sean K Trading intently, and saw that. :-D
 
yeah, right...
.
Orezone, capitalised at $C342 million ($380 million) on the Toronto Stock Exchange and backed by Resources Capital Fund, has commenced testing Australian investors’ appetite to help it join the ASX boards.

Stockbroker Canaccord Genuity last week began inviting global fund managers based in Sydney and Melbourne to one-on-one chats with Orezone’s management. It is early days with Orezone yet to make a final decision on the ASX listing, but sources said it could seek to raise as much as $80 million if it can find the demand. Should it proceed with the dual listing as expected, the process is expected to take anywhere between six and 12 months.

Orezone, led by CEO Patrick Downey, owns 90 per cent of the open-pit Bombore mine in Burkina Faso, which is expected to produce 209,000 ounces of gold on average over its 11-year mine life. Commercial production began two years ago, and the December quarter saw it dig up 36,502 ounces of gold (up 37 per cent over the previous quarter) for $US91.7 million in revenue ($149.7 million).
 
yeah, right...
.
Orezone, capitalised at $C342 million ($380 million) on the Toronto Stock Exchange and backed by Resources Capital Fund, has commenced testing Australian investors’ appetite to help it join the ASX boards.

Stockbroker Canaccord Genuity last week began inviting global fund managers based in Sydney and Melbourne to one-on-one chats with Orezone’s management. It is early days with Orezone yet to make a final decision on the ASX listing, but sources said it could seek to raise as much as $80 million if it can find the demand. Should it proceed with the dual listing as expected, the process is expected to take anywhere between six and 12 months.

Orezone, led by CEO Patrick Downey, owns 90 per cent of the open-pit Bombore mine in Burkina Faso, which is expected to produce 209,000 ounces of gold on average over its 11-year mine life. Commercial production began two years ago, and the December quarter saw it dig up 36,502 ounces of gold (up 37 per cent over the previous quarter) for $US91.7 million in revenue ($149.7 million).

Making themselves friendlier for WAF.

Screenshot 2025-02-03 at 14.27.38.png
 
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NEXTA

Russian mercenaries escorting gold miners ambushed by jihadists in Mali: around 30 KilledIn northern Mali, jihadists ambushed a convoy of civilian vehicles escorted by Malian troops and Russian mercenaries, whom French media identify as The Wagner Group. At least 32 people were killed. The convoy consisted of gold prospectors, primarily local residents and a few foreigners, heading to gold mines in the Intahaka region. Near the village of Kobi, attackers laid an ambush, with gunmen emerging from both sides of the road and opening fire indiscriminately.

According to AFP and Le Monde, the attack on the convoy in northern Mali was allegedly carried out by ISIS jihadists.
 
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