Mali’s transitional president, General Assimi Goïta, has officially inaugurated a new lithium mine in the Bougouni region, as part of the country’s strategy to strengthen economic sovereignty and capitalize on its mineral wealth.
The country’s second lithium mine represents an initial investment of $65 million and is expected to produce up to 590,000 tons by 2026, potentially positioning Mali as Africa’s leading lithium producer — a critical mineral for the global clean energy transition.
Minister of Mines Amadou Keïta said the project will boost state revenues through taxes and royalties, while injecting over 24 billion CFA francs into the national economy through local procurement of goods and services.
The venture is a joint partnership between Mali, China, and the United Kingdom, and its first phase has already created 500 jobs, with an additional 800 positions anticipated in the next stage.
The project is part of Mali’s broader effort to reform its mining sector, including the adoption of a new mining code, the review of existing agreements, and the revocation of non-compliant licenses, aimed at ensuring greater national benefit from the country’s expanding mineral industry.
