Montage Gold Corp. (TSX: MAU, OTCQX: MAUTF) announced on September 27, 2026, that it has achieved its first gold pour at the Koné mine in Côte d'Ivoire, delivering the milestone ahead of its initial Q2-2027 schedule and on budget. The inaugural pour on September 26, 2026, yielded approximately 1,140 ounces of gold, with more than 400,000 tonnes of ore processed since ore was first introduced into the oxide circuit on September 8, 2026. The early production marks a pivotal transition for the company from developer to producer, and investors will be watching progress toward commercial production expected by year-end.

Key Points

  • Montage Gold Corp. (TSX: MAU, OTCQX: MAUTF) announced first gold pour at its flagship Koné mine in Côte d'Ivoire
  • First gold pour of approximately 1,140 ounces was achieved on September 26, 2026, ahead of the initial Q2-2027 schedule and on budget
  • Oxide circuit commercial production expected in Q4-2026; hard-rock comminution circuit on track for Q2-2027 completion
  • Investors may be watching the oxide circuit ramp-up and the company's updated life-of-mine plan anticipated alongside year-end reserves and resources

Koné Mine Oxide Circuit Drives Early Production Milestone

Construction at the Koné mine began in December 2024, and the addition of the oxide circuit enabled gold production significantly ahead of the original schedule. More than 400,000 tonnes of ore have been processed since ore was first introduced on September 8, 2026. The oxide circuit is expected to reach commercial production in Q4-2026, while the hard-rock comminution circuit remains on budget and on track for completion in Q2-2027. The company logged more than 14.1 million hours worked to date with a strong safety record throughout the construction phase.

Job Creation and National Workforce at the Koné Operation

Construction of the Koné mine has created approximately 3,600 direct jobs, with over 95% of those roles filled by nationals, supported by training programmes launched prior to construction commencement. The company's owner-mining operating model has facilitated the transition of construction employees into operational roles through further training and on-site truck-driving simulators. Once fully ramped up, the Koné operation is expected to create approximately 1,500 permanent roles in addition to indirect employment, making it the ninth operating gold mine in Côte d'Ivoire.

Resource Growth and Ongoing 130,000-Metre Drill Programme

The Koné mine holds Probable Reserves of 4.01 million ounces at 0.72 g/t Au, as published in the 2024 Updated Feasibility Study. Since that study, overall Measured and Indicated Resources have grown by 1.42 million ounces to 6.29 million ounces, with grade improving 27% to 0.80 g/t Au. An exploration programme of over 130,000 metres of drilling is currently underway for 2026, which will bring total drilling to over 380,000 metres since the 2024 Feasibility Study. Mining at the higher-grade Gbongogo Main satellite deposit is expected to commence in late 2026.