The president of the Malian transition, Assimi Goita, has officially launched the construction of a state gold refinery, in partnership with the Russian group Yadran. The infrastructure aims to strengthen local processing and reduce export losses in a gold sector that is crucial to the national economy

With an annual capacity of 200 tons, it aims to strengthen the local processing of gold, of which only 5% is currently refined on site, despite a production of 51 tons per year.

The project extends over 5 hectares near Bamako airport and foresees a processing capacity of 200 tons of gold per year, about four times the country's current production (about 50 tons). It is in line with the provisions of the new Malian Mining Code, which requires the local processing of mining products

The share capital is estimated at 600 million CFA francs, distributed at 62% for the Malian State and 38% for the Russian company Yadran. This strategic partnership marks a new stage in the Mali—Russia relationship, initiated in October 2024 with the announcement of projects also aimed at the construction of a cotton processing plant and the securing of supplies of petroleum

The Malian authorities believe that the refinery will not only generate significant added value, but also create local jobs and facilitate access to the international market thanks to certifications (in particular LBMA) that were lacking in the two existing facilities.