Kodal Minerals is expecting to receive an export permit soon for 27,000 metric tons of lithium concentrate stockpiled at its Bougouni project in Mali. The company had previously reported delays due to regulatory hurdles.
The delay comes amid a broader slowdown in global lithium production, which could drop by as much as 228,000 tons this year, as producers scale back operations in response to falling prices for the key electric vehicle battery material.
“Discussions with the government of Mali on finalising the export permit for spodumene concentrate produced at Bougouni are progressing as planned, and the permit is expected in the near future,” Kodal said in a statement.
The company also emphasized its strong relationship with the Malian government.
Chief Executive Bernard Aylward is currently in Mali reviewing operations, which Kodal says are continuing as normal.
Production at the Bougouni mine began in February, and the company has agreed to sell all of its output to China’s Hainan Mining.
“We’re spending money to produce a product that we want to sell. Our buyer is ready—but we can’t export,” Aylward said earlier this month.
While Mali is traditionally known as a gold producer, the country is now looking to tap into its substantial lithium reserves.
The military-led government is asserting greater control over the mining sector to boost state revenues.
This includes arresting foreign executives and seizing mineral stockpiles during ongoing negotiations with multinational mining companies.
