BAMAKO, Mali – In a significant stride for its mining sector, Mali has officially inaugurated its second industrial-scale lithium mine, a move that firmly places the West African nation on the map as a major supplier of a metal critical to the global clean energy revolution.

The inauguration ceremony for the Lithium Mines of Bougouni (LMLB SA) was chaired on Monday by Transitional President Colonel Assimi Goïta, underscoring the project’s strategic importance to the country.

A Strategic Partnership for a Critical Metal

Located in the mineral-rich Bougouni region, the new mine is a joint venture structured to ensure significant national benefit. The operating company, LMLB SA, is 65% owned by the UK’s Kodal Minerals and 35% by the Malian state, as confirmed by the government’s “Croissance Mali” initiative. This model echoes the partnership seen in Mali’s first lithium project, Goulamina, and reflects a growing trend of African governments seeking greater ownership and value from their natural resources.

The project represents a substantial investment of $250 million and is projected to produce an impressive 400,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate per year. This output will not only generate substantial export revenue but also catapult Mali into the ranks of Africa’s top lithium producers.

Economic Boost and Regional Development

Beyond its geopolitical significance, the mine is a major economic driver. The presidency announced that the project has already created “thousands of direct and indirect jobs,” providing a vital boost to local employment and skill development. The influx of investment is also expected to spur improvements in local infrastructure and services in the Bougouni region.

“This inauguration is a testament to our government’s commitment to responsibly developing our natural resources for the benefit of all Malians,” a statement from the presidency read. “It strengthens our economic sovereignty and creates tangible opportunities for our people.”

Mali’s Rising Profile in the Green Economy

The opening of the LMLB SA mine comes hot on the heels of the inauguration of the Goulamina mine in late 2024, which is hailed as the largest of its kind in Africa. The rapid development of these two projects highlights the global rush to secure supplies of lithium, a metal indispensable for manufacturing electric vehicle (EV) batteries, energy storage systems, and other advanced technological equipment.

For Mali, a country traditionally known for its gold production, this strategic pivot into lithium diversifies its mining economy and aligns it with the fast-growing green technology sector. As nations worldwide push for a transition away from fossil fuels, Mali’s lithium deposits position it as a key enabler of this global shift.

The Road Ahead

The successful launch of a second lithium mine within months signals Mali’s serious ambition to become a central hub for battery metals in Africa. The focus will now shift to ensuring efficient and sustainable operations, managing environmental impacts, and continuing to build local capacity to maximize the long-term benefits for the Malian economy.

With the world’s appetite for lithium only set to grow, Mali is strategically positioning itself to power not just its own future, but the next generation of global mobility and technology.