Kodal’s record Bougouni lithium output: project economics and expansion lens for engineers
Reviewed by Joe Ashwell

First reported on MINING.com
30 Second Briefing
Kodal Minerals reported record quarterly output from the Bougouni lithium mine in Mali, producing 26,981 tonnes of 5.28% Li₂O spodumene concentrate, with March alone exceeding 10,900 tonnes. Two shipments lifted total exports to about 49,000 tonnes and generated more than $51 million in revenue, as plant upgrades and mining changes improved throughput and reliability, according to CEO Bernard Aylward. A Phase Two flotation plant remains under feasibility study, signalling potential capacity expansion at Mali’s second active lithium operation, 180 km from Bamako.
Technical Brief
- Bougouni’s spodumene concentrate is produced at a reported grade of 5.28% Li₂O.
- Revenue already received by the operator exceeds $51 million, with an additional balancing payment still due.
- Kodal Minerals owns 49% of Kodal Mining UK (KMUK), its project-level joint venture vehicle.
- KMUK holds 65% of Les Mines de Lithium de Bougouni, which is the Malian operating company.
- The Mali government is a direct equity partner in Les Mines de Lithium de Bougouni alongside KMUK.
- Bougouni commenced production in early 2025, with first export shipments dispatched in October 2025.
- The mine is located about 180 km from Bamako and is Mali’s second active lithium operation after Goulamina.
Our Take
The layered ownership structure – Kodal holding 49% of KMUK and KMUK holding 65% of Les Mines de Lithium de Bougouni – means Kodal’s effective economic interest in the Bougouni lithium mine is materially below a simple majority, which can influence how much project cash flow ultimately supports its London‑listed balance sheet.
The reference to China’s copper consumption growth of 3.7% annually through 2035 and potential 50% demand uplift underscores why groups like Ganfeng Lithium and Hainan Mining are active in Mali: integrated Chinese players are increasingly using African lithium and copper positions to backstop long‑term domestic EV and grid‑metal needs.
Prepared by collating external sources, AI-assisted tools, and Geomechanics.io’s proprietary mining database, then reviewed for technical accuracy & edited by our geotechnical team.
Related Articles
Related Industries & Products
Mining
Geotechnical software solutions for mining operations including CMRR analysis, hydrogeological testing, and data management.
CMRR-io
Streamline coal mine roof stability assessments with our cloud-based CMRR software featuring automated calculations, multi-scenario analysis, and collaborative workflows.
HYDROGEO-io
Comprehensive hydrogeological testing platform for managing, analysing, and reporting on packer tests, lugeon values, and hydraulic conductivity assessments.
GEODB-io
Centralised geotechnical data management solution for storing, accessing, and analysing all your site investigation and material testing data.


