As gold prices reach historic highs, Canadian mining company Pasofino Gold Ltd (TSX.V:VEIN) is positioning itself to become a major player in West Africa's gold market through its ambitious Dugbe Gold Project in Liberia. The company's 100% ownership of the project, which holds confirmed reserves of 2.76 million troy ounces, marks a significant development in the region's mining sector.
The project's economics present compelling potential, with a pre-tax net present value of $506 million at $1,700 per ounce of gold, potentially rising to $1.52 billion if gold reaches $2,500 per ounce. Located just 76 kilometers from Greenville port, the project benefits from strategic infrastructure advantages that could significantly reduce operational costs.
For Liberia's economy, the project represents a crucial step in developing its mining sector. The country's position within the Birimian gold belt, combined with its stable political environment and pro-business regulations, makes it an increasingly attractive destination for mining investment. The project's success could serve as a catalyst for further foreign investment in Liberia's mining sector.
Pasofino's development approach, incorporating LNG-powered energy generation with solar offsets, aligns with growing global emphasis on sustainable mining practices. The project's low strip ratio of 3.52:1 during early operations indicates potential for cost-effective production, a critical factor for long-term viability.
With 15 high-priority targets yet to be drilled within the 2,078-square-kilometer permit area, the project holds significant expansion potential beyond its current reserves. This scalability, combined with the company's optimization efforts to improve gold recovery rates from 83% to potentially 90%, suggests substantial room for growth in one of West Africa's most promising gold regions.
