Country
Mali
Sector
Mining & Minerals
Intelligence Type
Project
Status / Stage
Operational
Confidence
Confirmed
Latest Development
Most advanced lithium project in West Africa — producing battery-grade spodumene concentrate since 2025. Ganfeng Lithium (China, 64%) holds the majority stake. Mali government holds 20%. Mali’s President inaugurated the Bougouni Lithium Project (nearby) in November 2025.
Project Details
Project TypeOpen-pit lithium mine + DMS plant + spodumene concentrate
Project OwnerGanfeng Lithium (64%); Mali government (20%)
Current PhaseOperational
Funding StatusClosed
Key Issues / Risks
Mali's military government introduced higher state equity requirements. Sahel security instability.
Latest Development (Detail)
Battery-grade spodumene concentrate production ongoing into 2025-2026.
What Happens Next
Ramp-up to full capacity and potential Phase 2 expansion.
Commercial Opportunity
Establishes Mali as a lithium export country — logistics, processing and export infrastructure opportunities.
Commercial Opportunity Intelligence
Commercial ReadinessCommercially Active
Source & Verification Trail
Last VerifiedAugust 2026
Source(s)Mining Indaba 2026; Mining Review March 2026; Leo Lithium ASX filings
Source DateJanuary–March 2026