A Milestone for West Africa’s Emerging Lithium Corridor
In early December 2025, Kodal Minerals announced the first shipment of spodumene concentrate from the Bougouni lithium mine in southern Mali, marking a breakthrough for West Africa’s role in the global battery-metals market. Exported through Côte d’Ivoire’s port of San Pedro, the shipment represents the region’s transition from exploration-led activity to active participation in the lithium supply chain. For Mali—now hosting its second commercial lithium operation—this milestone signals that the country is beginning to translate geological potential into real market presence.
Production Capacity, Logistics Integration, and Regional Partnerships
The Bougouni project is targeting an annual output of roughly 125,000 tons of concentrate, supported by a cross-border logistics chain that links mining operations in Mali to Ivorian port infrastructure. This cooperation reduces transport constraints and positions San Pedro as a competitive export hub for West African battery minerals.
Positioning West Africa in the Global Battery-Metals Landscape
The start of shipments from Bougouni illustrates a broader strategic shift: West Africa is emerging as a meaningful contributor to the energy-transition minerals ecosystem. As global demand for lithium accelerates, new suppliers like Mali and Côte d’Ivoire can diversify global sourcing, reduce concentration risks, and attract investment into processing, infrastructure, and technical capacity. The long-term opportunity will depend on stable governance, clear regulatory frameworks, and value-addition pathways that allow producing countries to capture more than just the extraction margin. Bougouni’s first shipment is therefore not only a logistical achievement, but also a signal of West Africa’s growing relevance in the race for secure, responsible battery-metal supply chains.