Mali approves renewal of four gold exploration permits

The Malian government has approved the first renewal of four gold and group 2 mineral research permits. These decisions, made during a Council of Ministers meeting on September 2, 2026, allow mining companies to continue exploration activities in several regions, including Bougouni, Sikasso, Kangaba, and Kéniéba.

The renewed permits involve the following companies and locations:

• Hongda Liujiu SARL (formerly Yiyuan Mines SARL) at the Ourounia site in the Bougouni circle. • A. NA. DI. S SARL at the Dézébéla site in the Sikasso circle. • L’Horizon SARL at two sites: Faladiè-Nord in the Kangaba circle and Liberta-Sud in the Kéniéba circle.

The companies have been granted an additional three years to conduct investigations, such as geological surveys and drilling, to determine ore grade and continuity. These renewals follow a suspension of mining permit renewals that lasted from December 2022 to March 2025. While the government noted that initial work revealed geological anomalies justifying further study, these permits authorize exploration rather than immediate commercial extraction.