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Côte d'Ivoire has formed the Ivoiro-Chinese Exploration Company (ICEX) through a joint venture between Société pour le Développement Minier de la Côte d'Ivoire (SODEMI) and China National Geological & Mining Corporation (CGM). ICEX, with a 56.65% stake by SODEMI, was approved on February 4 and has an initial capital of CFA20 million.

The company will focus on mineral exploration in Côte d'Ivoire, with a strong interest in bauxite. CGM anticipates significant resources and has entered a cooperation agreement for future exploration and development phases. Côte d'Ivoire's bauxite production was 54,963 tons in 2023, primarily exported to China.