Mali strengthens its position in the lithium sector

Mali approves transfer of Bougouni lithium mine exploitation permit, marking a key step toward production launch

On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the Malian government approved, during a Council of Ministers meeting, the transfer of the exploitation permit for the major lithium mine located in Foulaboula, within the Bougouni Circle.

The permit has been granted to Les Mines de Lithium de Bougouni S.A., a public limited company under Malian law established by Future Minerals-SARL, in accordance with the provisions of the new Mining Code.

This deposit, with reserves estimated at 21.31 million tonnes and an average lithium oxide grade of 1.11%, is slated for open-pit mining over a period of ten years. It was discovered following prospecting work carried out by Future Minerals-SARL, which originally held a research permit.

It is worth noting that the exploitation permit was officially issued by Decree No. 2021-0774/PM-RM dated November 5, 2021.