The Goulamina lithium mine in southern Mali, operated by Chinese firm Ganfeng Lithium, has officially commenced production for its first phase.
The mine’s initial phase is designed to produce 506,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate annually, with a planned expansion to 1 million tonnes per year in its second phase.
Ganfeng acquired a 40% stake in the project earlier from Australia’s Leo Lithium. The Malian government plans to hold a 35% stake in the mine under a new mining code, which includes a 10% free carry share and an optional 25% purchase.
Mali's interim President Assimi Goita, Minister of Mines Amadou Keita, Minister of Finance and Economy Alousséni Sanou, and China's Ambassador to Mali Chen Zhihong were present at the ceremony.
