The Goulamina lithium mine in Mali, estimated at approximately 21 million tons, is now under increased local control, in accordance with new mining regulations adopted in August 2023. This major project, located in the Bougouni region, is one of the largest lithium reserves in the world with an estimated mine life of over 23 years.

Mali: Africa’s second-largest lithium producer by 2025

The Goulamina mine was officially launched in December 2024 and is expected to produce 500,000 tons of spodumene concentrate annually, a primary source of lithium. Mali is thus poised to become Africa’s second-largest lithium producer by 2025, with a 14% share of African production, just ahead of Nigeria.

The mine is operated by a joint venture in which the Malian government holds a 30% stake. While local investors own 5%, the remaining 65% is controlled by the Chinese company Ganfeng Lithium. This ownership structure reflects the Malian government’s desire to increase national participation in strategic mining projects.

Better control of the country’s strategic mineral resources

Furthermore, another important lithium project is the Bougouni project, operated by Kodal Minerals, with a 35% stake from the Malian government. This project has also been in production since early 2025 and will help strengthen Mali’s position in the African lithium sector.

In summary, the Goulamina lithium mine, with its 21 million tonnes, is now under strengthened local control. With a significant stake held by the Malian government and local investors, as part of a national strategy aimed at better controlling the country’s strategic mineral resources.

The economic impacts of the lithium mine for the region

The Goulamina lithium mine has major economic impacts for the Bougouni region and, more broadly, for Mali, in several key dimensions.

Job Creation and Local Development

The mine generates more than 2,000 direct jobs, boosting the local labor market and improving the living conditions of the surrounding communities.

It contributes to local development through significant investments in road, energy, and water infrastructure, with an estimated budget of between 22 and 25 billion CFA francs dedicated to these projects.

Lithium du Mali SA, the operating company, has already invested more than 2 billion CFA francs in community initiatives such as health, education, and the creation of income-generating activities over the period 2021-2024.

Economic Benefits and Sector Diversification

The mine is expected to generate approximately 250 billion CFA francs in revenue for Malian companies, with at least 51% of subcontracting contracts awarded to local companies, stimulating the regional and national economy.

The project is an important lever for diversifying the Malian economy, traditionally dependent on gold, by positioning the country among the world’s leading producers of lithium, a key metal for the energy transition.

Annual revenues from the mine are estimated at approximately 680 billion CFA francs, a significant portion of which (30%) will go to the State, with 30 billion allocated to the Local Development Fund, thus strengthening public financial capacity for regional development.

Impact on the Energy Transition and Innovation

The Goulamina mine plays a strategic role in Mali’s energy transition, particularly by supplying lithium for the manufacture of batteries used in renewable energies such as solar power, a sector toward which the country is strongly committed.

This project paves the way for the modernization of the Malian mining sector, with prospects for the integration of advanced technologies and local vocational training, thus strengthening the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability.

Perspectives and Challenges

To maximize economic benefits, plans are underway to develop a lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant on site. This would create more local added value and avoid the export of raw ore, contributing to further industrialization in the region.

The project is also a catalyst for improving regional infrastructure, facilitating access to markets and essential services, which can reduce economic disparities in southern Mali.