What key developments shaped Mali’s mining sector in 2026, and what strategies drive industry expansion?

The sector remains the engine of Mali’s economy, with 13 gold mines and 2 lithium mines in production. In 2024, mining contributed CFAF 978 billion, accounting for 9.5% of GDP, 40.9% of state revenue, 78.8% of exports and 1.6% of formal employment. These figures are expected to shift as major gold mines increase production and the two lithium mines that began operations in 2024 and 2025 reach full production.

The anticipated start of production at certain small-scale mines and the operationalization of the Malian Precious Substances Office, tasked with collecting artisanal production, will also support this upward trend.

What regulatory reforms and projects are supporting mining diversification?

Mali has diverse resources that could position it as a major global producer of strategic minerals.

The government’s mining reforms culminated in the 2023 Mining Code and Local Content Law, aimed at increasing state and domestic private-sector participation while strengthening the legal, customs, economic, fiscal and financial frameworks.

Key measures include stronger mining-title management, progressive royalties linked to mineral prices, and dedicated mining funds for local development and infrastructure, including energy, water and roads. The reforms also provide for royalties on toll-based mineral processing and the collection of dividends and mining royalties in kind. All operating mining companies have transitioned to the 2023 Mining Code.

While Mali awaits production from bauxite, iron, manganese and phosphate projects, its lithium mines are already producing spodumene concentrate. The country also has significant uranium, limestone, gypsum, marble, rock salt, manganese, lead, zinc, diamond and rare earth resources.

What are the main challenges facing Mali’s mining industry?

Key challenges include infrastructure development, particularly transport, energy and processing; organizing and regulating artisanal mining; and better integrating the domestic private sector.

Despite these challenges, Mali remains attractive to investors due to the Mali Chamber of Mines’ dedicated partnership and private-sector support unit, a modern and transparent mining cadastre, favorable production costs, a highly skilled workforce, ease of investment and resource diversity.

What projects and partnerships are shaping Mali’s local beneficiation agenda?

Mali’s vision for a high-performing mining sector includes developing an integrated value chain. Large-scale projects, including a national gold refinery and other processing and treatment facilities, aim to increase mineral value capture for the country and investors.

Growing demand for logistics, specialized services and mining technologies is also creating opportunities for innovative companies. Through its Local Content Law, Mali aims to strengthen partnerships with capable local players.

What key messages will the Mali Chamber of Mines share with international stakeholders at AMW 2026?

AMW offers an opportunity to showcase the potential of the extractive sector, particularly given the legal reforms that have revolutionized Mali’s mining framework. It is also a chance to reassure investors about the opportunities Mali offers as an investment destination.

We will showcase how Mali is positioning its mining sector as a key driver of national and regional growth. Its diverse and largely untapped mineral resources - including gold, lithium and other strategic minerals -, combined with recent reforms have strengthened transparency and legal certainty while creating a more favorable investment environment.

Investing in Mali’s mining sector means participating in a sustainable model that combines profitability with sustainable development.