Kodal works with Mali government to secure export permit for Bougouni lithium project amid high spodumene output and storage constraints.
Kodal Minerals has provided an update on the continued progress at its Bougouni lithium project in southern Mali, highlighting advancements in both open-pit mining and the Stage 1 dense media separation (DMS) processing plant. Operated by the Mali-registered entity Les Mines de Lithium de Bougouni SA (LMLB), in which Kodal holds a 49% stake, the Bougouni project is on track to become Mali’s second active lithium mine. This follows the successful launch of spodumene production at the Goulamina project in December 2024, operated by China’s Ganfeng Lithium.
The DMS processing plant at Bougouni continues to process pegmatite ore, with ongoing upgrades aimed at enhancing operational efficiency. According to Kodal, the plant has already produced more than 45,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate, which is now ready for export. While mining continues at the Ngoualana open pit, operations have encountered seasonal challenges. Heavy rainfall characteristic of Mali’s wet season has resulted in water accumulation in the lower levels of the pit, restricting access. Nevertheless, mining activities are proceeding with the excavation of free-dig material up to the final pit boundaries.
To maintain consistent processing operations, mineralized pegmatite ore stockpiled at the run-of-mine yard is being utilized. Furthermore, the LMLB team has scheduled a planned shutdown and maintenance period for late August to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the plant and implement necessary improvements.
A recent high-profile visit by Mali’s Minister of Mines, Amadou Keita, and Bougouni regional governor, General Ousmane Wele, further underscored the project's national importance. The officials provided encouraging feedback during their tour of the operations, according to the company. During the visit, the LMLB team stressed the urgency of issuing an export permit, showcasing the large quantities of spodumene concentrate that are ready for immediate shipment. They also highlighted the growing risk of storage capacity being exceeded at the site if shipments are delayed further.
Kodal Minerals confirmed that preparations for the first export are progressing, with coordination underway with the ports of Abidjan and San Pedro in Côte d’Ivoire to ensure logistical readiness. In a company statement, Kodal Minerals CEO Bernard Aylward expressed satisfaction with the collaboration between LMLB and the Malian government, stating that discussions are actively ongoing to fulfill all requirements for securing the export permit.
Aylward emphasized that once the permit is granted, it will allow for the transportation of the current stockpiles of spodumene concentrate to ports, enabling exports to China. He added that the government delegation acknowledged the project's need to begin exports promptly and recognized the volume of product already on site.
