Mali has signed two agreements with Russian company Zarubezhgeologiya to map mineral resources across more than half its territory and develop a digital platform for managing geological data and mining activities.
Mali’s mining sector is beginning to see movement in exploration licensing, with 21 permits processed between August and September 2026, according to Fousseni Tougela, president of the Mali Chamber of Mines.
Niger's cabinet has granted a uranium mining permit for the In Azaoua area near Arlit to Tsumco SA, a state company created after Niger nationalised Orano's Somaïr mine, formalising its control of ground once run by the French group.
Toubani Resources has drawn down an initial $25 million under its Kobada project funding package, with construction of the Mali gold mine progressing on multiple fronts.
Mali has issued the Menankoto exploitation permit for B2Gold's Fekola Regional project, clearing the way for ore trucking to the Fekola mill and extending the complex's life into the late 2030s.
A wave of sustainability-linked mining bonds was in development across Zambia and the DRC as of 24 July 2026, aiming to raise over $100m per deal to formalise artisanal miners and fund shared infrastructure alongside industrial projects.
NYSE: BGoldBarrick MiningCanadian gold and copper miner renamed from Barrick Gold Corporation in 2025 to reflect its growing copper business. Listed in New York and Toronto, it settled a long-running dispute with Mali's government over its Loulo-Gounkoto complex in November 2025, agreeing to pay about $430m and resume operational control.SZSE: 002460Battery metalsGanfeng LithiumChina's largest lithium salt producer, founded in 2000 by Li Liangbin and dual-listed in Shenzhen and Hong Kong. It took full ownership of Mali's Goulamina lithium project in 2024-2025 by buying out its former partner, Leo Lithium.
LSE: KODBattery metalsKodal MineralsAIM-listed lithium developer that began production at Mali's Bougouni project in February 2025 and officially opened its Stage 1 operation in November 2025. The Malian government holds a direct stake in the project company alongside Kodal.
ASX: RSGGoldResolute MiningAustralian gold miner listed on the ASX and LSE that concentrates entirely on West African operations. Its Mali business was disrupted through 2025 by a dispute with the government, including the brief detention of its chief executive, and its Syama mine continues to face security-related supply disruptions in 2026.
