Mali: China’s Ganfeng Lithium to Operate Goulamina Mine

China continues to increase its penetration into countries rich in raw materials, particularly strategic lithium, an important metal for battery production.

China’s Ganfeng Lithium, one of the world’s largest lithium hydroxide production players, has signed an agreement with Mali that will allow it to operate the Goulamina mine. The deal complies with Mali’s new mining code, which allows the military-led government to increase its stake in mining projects. In Goulamina’s case, this figure will rise from 20 to 35%.

The Goulamina mine was previously operated by Australia’s Leo Lithium, from which Ganfeng Lithium acquired a 40% stake in May 2024 for $342.7 million.

“Thanks to this mutually beneficial agreement, which protects the vital interests of the Malian people, the state of Mali enters into a new partnership with the Chinese group Ganfeng Lithium Co. to develop and manage the Goulamina lithium project,” says a statement signed by Economy Minister Alousseni Sanou, Reuters reported. The Minister also explained that the agreement will bring just under 200 million dollars annually to Mali.