Bougouni: In southern Mali, the President of the Transition, Assimi Goita, inaugurated the country’s second lithium mine under the company “Les Mines de Lithium de Bougouni SA” (LMLB) in N’Galana, Bougouni South, with an investment of 35 million US dollars.

According to Burkina Information Agency, this new mining facility represents a significant investment and promises to enhance Mali’s production capacity. Combining the spodumene concentrate production forecasts from the two mines, Mali is projected to reach a total of 590,587 tonnes by 2026, positioning it as the leading producer in Africa.

The lithium project, with Mali holding 35% of the capital, bolsters the nation’s strategic standing among lithium-producing countries, with the mineral being crucial for global ecological transitions. The Bougouni project, in its first phase from 2024 to 2027, has required an investment of 65 million US dollars and has already created 500 jobs, expected to increase to 800 in its second phase.

Mali has prioritized a strategic and sovereign management approach to its natural resources, aiming for harmonious development that benefits its citizens. After the inauguration, President Goita addressed the communities, discussing the multidimensional crises Mali faces, including terrorism, a hydrocarbon crisis, and the protection of national sovereignty.

This visit marks President Goita’s third to the Bougouni Region within a year. His speech emphasized the Malian Army’s commitment to defending national integrity. The local population, along with traditional leaders, youth, women, and regional officials, gathered in large numbers to welcome President Goita, highlighting the community’s support for this significant development.