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| Kodal Minerals |
Over 20,000 Tons of Lithium Stranded
Kodal Minerals has been unable to export over 20,000 metric tons of lithium concentrate from its Bougouni Project in Mali due to regulatory delays, CEO Bernard Aylward told Reuters. The British miner, which began production in February, has a full offtake agreement with China’s Hainan Mining.
“We’re spending money to produce a product that we want to sell. Our buyer actually wants to buy it — [but] we can’t export,” Aylward said.
The delay compounds global lithium supply concerns, as production is already forecast to fall by 228,000 tons in 2025, driven by low lithium prices.
Mali Tightens Control Over Mining Sector
Mali, traditionally known for its gold exports, is expanding into lithium mining. However, the military-led government is also increasing scrutiny of foreign miners and tightening regulatory controls to boost state revenues.
Kodal’s shipments are stalled as officials examine the pricing mechanism for its spodumene concentrate, to confirm it's aligned with prevailing market prices. The company has been engaged in permit negotiations since last year and now hopes to export by mid-June.
“Other operations in Mali are also having delays in the export permits,” said Aylward, indicating broader sectoral challenges.
Impact on Global Lithium Markets
The export impasse adds uncertainty to a lithium market already under pressure, as multiple miners globally reduce output in response to falling prices and tightening margins. Mali’s only other lithium operation, run by China’s Ganfeng Lithium, has not commented on its export status.
The situation highlights the fragile balance between resource nationalism and global supply chain stability at a time when demand for electric vehicle battery metals is rising.
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