Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 22, West African mineral exploration and development company Kodal Minerals has commenced exports of lithium spodumene concentrate from its Bougouni project in Mali, marking a key milestone for the operation. The first truckloads are undergoing final customs checks before departing for the port of San Pedro in Côte d’Ivoire, where the material will be shipped to Hainan.

The Bougouni lithium project produced the first Li₂O spodumene concentrate earlier in 2025.

Kodal plans to transport 30,000 tonnes (t) of spodumene concentrate from the project’s stockpile to the port, with the initial export expected to take between four and six weeks. The company aims to maintain a steady export flow and intends to transport the entire 45,000t stockpile to ensure a consistent supply at San Pedro for future shipments.

Kodal Minerals CEO Bernard Aylward said: “Following the successful construction of the Dense Media Separation plant (‘DMS’) and processing of ore from the Ngoualana open pit, we are now in a position to consistently manage the exporting of Bougouni’s spodumene concentrate.” He added: “The first shipment of spodumene concentrate is planned to be 30,000t, with first revenue expected upon completion of loading of the vessel in the San Pedro port as agreed in the off-take agreement. Further updates on the Bougouni operation and export will be provided as developments continue.”

Located about 180km south of Mali’s capital, Bamako, the Bougouni lithium project spans 350km² in the Birimian terrain of West Africa, a region known for its mineral potential. The project produced its first lithium oxide (Li₂O) spodumene concentrate earlier this year following the commissioning of the stage one DMS plant.

The Bougouni project is operated by Les Mines de Lithium de Bougouni (LMLB), a subsidiary of Kodal Mining UK, in which Kodal holds a 49% shareholding. The project represents a significant step in Mali’s growing participation in the global lithium supply chain, supporting rising demand for battery materials.

Kodal’s development strategy includes advancing to stage two of the project, which will feature a flotation plant expected to operate from 2028 to 2038. The facility is forecast to produce 230,000t of Li₂O per year, further enhancing output and project efficiency.

The company’s export plan underscores its transition from construction and commissioning to production and revenue generation. By ensuring regular shipments from Mali to Côte d’Ivoire and onwards to international markets, Kodal aims to establish stable operations and build its presence as a regional lithium producer. The Bougouni project’s progress also aligns with the broader development of West Africa’s mineral resources industry, highlighting the region’s growing role in global critical mineral supply.