Kodal Minerals Confirms Bougouni Lithium Mine Operations Stable Amid Mali Security Concerns
Kodal Minerals Maintains Lithium Production at Bougouni Mine Despite Rising Security Tensions Near Bamako
Kodal Minerals, a West Africa-focused mining company, has confirmed that operations at its Bougouni lithium mine in southern Mali remain unaffected despite escalating security tensions near the capital, Bamako.
The London-listed company stated that mining activities at Bougouni, approximately 180 km from Bamako, continue as normal.
Over the weekend, al Qaeda-linked militants advanced toward the capital, cutting off roads, ambushing military patrols, and attacking tanker trucks.
The Malian military junta, backed by Russian partners, is struggling to contain insurgents controlling large parts of the Sahel region.
As the situation worsens, countries including the UK, the US, and Germany have advised their citizens to leave Bamako.
Kodal reported that a security guard was killed in an August attack at the Bougouni mine but confirmed no further incidents have occurred.
The company is working closely with Malian authorities to strengthen site security for workers and contractors.
Production and Logistics Remain Uninterrupted
Production at Bougouni began in February, with the first truckloads of spodumene concentrate dispatched last month. To date, over 10,000 tonnes have been transported to the port of San Pedro in Ivory Coast, handled by a Malian contractor, and trucking operations continue without disruption.
Management remains on site ahead of the scheduled presidential inauguration of the Bougouni Project. The mine, located 170 km south of Bamako, aims for a monthly output of 11,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate.
Bougouni is Mali’s second active lithium mine, following Ganfeng Lithium’s Goulamina, which began production in late 2024.
Security Context in Mali
Since seizing power in 2021, Mali’s military junta has asserted control over the country’s valuable mining resources, particularly gold, taking over mines amid tax disputes and using revenues to consolidate authority.
The junta faces growing pressure from insurgent groups such as JNIM, which are seizing territory and disrupting economic activities through attacks and blockades.
Mali has also shifted its international alliances, expelling French forces and deepening security cooperation with Russia.
Despite these challenges, Kodal Minerals remains confident in the safety and continuity of operations at Bougouni, ensuring the supply of lithium to global markets continues uninterrupted.y
SOURCE:batterymetalsafrica.com
