The Bougouni Lithium Project in southern Mali is on the verge of a significant milestone as Kodal Minerals, a UK-based mining company, advances towards commercial production. With the construction phase nearing completion, the company has reported substantial progress at its Dense Media Separation (DMS) processing plant, which has already produced over 11,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate.
As of late March 2025, the DMS plant processed 13,400 tonnes of material, yielding 1,920 tonnes of high-grade spodumene concentrate with a lithium oxide content of 5.63%. Kodal Minerals holds a 49% stake in the project through its subsidiary, Kodal Mining (UK) Ltd., while local partners oversee operations on the ground.
Regulatory and Operational Advancements
The transfer of the project’s mining licence from Future Minerals SARL to Les Mines de Lithium de Bougouni SA (LMLB) is in progress. Approvals from Mali’s mining and finance ministries have been secured, and final authorization now awaits a formal endorsement from President Assimi Goïta. However, due to licensing delays, Kodal has requested an extension for its second payment of $7.5 million to the Malian government, in line with an existing agreement. Authorities have acknowledged the request, and a decision is expected soon.
Despite some initial hurdles, Kodal Minerals remains optimistic about the project’s timeline. CEO Bernard Aylward expressed confidence in the company’s ability to achieve its target production rate of 11,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate per month. While the DMS plant has yet to operate at full capacity consistently, ongoing improvements are expected to enable a smooth transition to large-scale commercial production.
Commitment to Local Development
Beyond lithium extraction, Kodal Minerals has demonstrated its commitment to local economic development. A recent visit by officials from Mali’s Department of Mines highlighted the project’s local workforce integration, with 95.7% of the 555 personnel on-site being Malian, many of whom are from surrounding communities. Additionally, the construction of a new access road to the village of Ngoualana has been well-received, enhancing infrastructure and connectivity for local residents.
With the increasing global demand for lithium—an essential component in electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage—Mali’s Bougouni Lithium Project is poised to become a critical player in Africa’s evolving minerals sector. As Kodal Minerals moves closer to full-scale production, the project is set to contribute significantly to Mali’s economy while positioning the country as an emerging leader in Africa’s lithium supply chain.
