Mali’s Council of Ministers has approved the creation of a School of Mines and Petroleum; a new agency tasked with research and development of the country’s mineral, oil and gas resources.
The new institutions are intended to address gaps in specialised training and strengthen Mali’s capacity to research, manage and develop its natural resources. The government said the new agency will also oversee geological and mining knowledge and promote the value of the country’s resources.
The council also approved the renewal of several gold and mineral exploration permits held by mining companies across the country. The permits will allow the companies to continue exploration for an additional three years, renewable once, while Africa Mining SARL received a second renewal for its permit in Dandoko.
The meeting, chaired by Transition President Assimi Goïta, also resulted in the appointment of Colonel Djibrilla Harouna as Director-General of the Malian Transport and Logistics Company. Hamidi Diakité and Amadou Sow were appointed to lead the country’s drinking-water heritage and management companies respectively.
The government also reviewed programmes covering reconciliation, agriculture, vocational training, women’s empowerment and environmental innovation, while health authorities reported a decline in confirmed dengue cases compared with the previous week.
