Mali Begins Building First National Gold Refinery with Russian and Swiss Partners

Mali Begins Building First National Gold Refinery with Russian and Swiss Partners

Mali has officially launched the construction of its first gold refinery, a facility designed to process up to 200 tons of gold annually.

 The project, developed in collaboration with Russia’s Yadran Group and a Swiss investment firm, will see Mali retain a controlling 62% stake.

Set to be completed within 18 to 24 months, the refinery aims to position Mali as a key hub for gold refining in West Africa and the Sahel, serving both domestic production and neighboring countries. 

For decades, Mali has ranked among Africa’s top gold producers, but most of its output was exported unrefined and processed abroad, with profits largely benefiting Western markets.