Mali’s government has approved the renewal of 10 gold exploration permits, allowing companies to resume or continue exploration activities in areas affected by a previous suspension of permit renewals.
The decision was taken by the Council of Ministers on Wednesday, September 30, and covers nine first-time renewals and one second renewal. The permits are mainly located in the Kayes, Sikasso, Bougouni and Koulikoro regions.
The second renewal covers the Dandoko permit in Kéniéba, part of B2Gold’s Fekola Regional project. B2Gold estimates the area contains 390,000 ounces of measured and indicated gold resources and 33,000 ounces of inferred resources.
Robex Resources Mali also secured renewals for three permits in Sanoula, Gladié-Est and Mininko. The company expects its Nampala mine to produce between 41,000 and 46,000 ounces of gold in 2026.
The government also approved the creation of a School of Mines and Petroleum and an Agency for Research and Development of Mineral Resources.
The renewed permits only allow exploration. They do not authorise gold extraction or commercial production.
