Mali Gold Output Beats Forecast With 30% Growth in H1 2026

Mining News  |  2026-08-19 11:37:39   |   By

Mali’s future production pipeline looks promising. Authorities recently approved a large-scale mining permit for B2Gold’s Menankoto project.

Summary
  • Mali produced 23.5 tonnes of industrial gold in H1 2026, up from about 18 tonnes a year earlier and above the government’s 21.2-tonne forecast.
  • B2Gold’s Fekola was the top-producing operation with 8.85 tonnes, followed by Barrick’s Loulo mine with 6.9 tonnes.
  • New projects, including B2Gold’s Menankoto and Toubani Resources’ Kobada, could add significant production from 2027-2028 and support Mali’s gold sector growth.

Mali Gold Output Surges 30% in H1 2026, Exceeding Government Forecast

MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): Mali's industrial gold production jumped nearly 30% in the first half of 2026, beating official forecasts and signaling a strong recovery for the West African producer despite recent mining sector challenges.

What Readers Should Know

  • Mali produced 23.5 tonnes of gold in H1 2026, up from ~18 tonnes a year earlier.
  • Output exceeded the government's 21.2-tonne forecast for the period.
  • Country is on track to meet or exceed its 2026 target of 43.2 tonnes.
  • B2Gold's Fekola mine led production with 8.85 tonnes in the first six months.
  • New projects including Menankoto and Kobada are set to boost output from 2027–2028.

According to official data, Mali's mines produced 23.5 tonnes of gold between January and June, compared with roughly 18 tonnes during the same period last year. The figure also exceeded the government's forecast of 21.2 tonnes for the period. Furthermore, it puts Mali on course to meet or potentially exceed its 2026 industrial production target of 43.2 tonnes.

Why Production Rebounded in 2026

Mali's gold industry faced significant disruption in 2025 as the government introduced reforms aimed at increasing state revenues and strengthening control over mining operations. Subsequently, the country's industrial gold production fell to 42.2 tonnes last year, well below the record 66.5 tonnes achieved in 2023.

The first-half 2026 surge suggests operators have adapted to the new regulatory environment and are ramping up output toward pre-reform levels.

What the H1 2026 Data Showed

B2Gold's Fekola operation was the leading producer during the first six months, delivering 8.85 tonnes. Barrick's Loulo mine followed with 6.9 tonnes. Resolute produced 3 tonnes, while Allied contributed 3.5 tonnes.

Also Read:

Barrick Secures 10-Year Permit Renewal for Loulo Gold Mine in Mali

Three Major Gold Producers Sign Mali's New Mining Code

What the Pipeline Looks Like Through 2028

Mali's future production pipeline looks promising. Authorities recently approved a large-scale mining permit for B2Gold's Menankoto project. The mine is expected to produce more than 150,000 ounces annually from 2028.

Also, Toubani Resources' Kobada project, with a planned output of nearly 162,000 ounces per annum, is targeting first gold in 2027.

People Also Ask

How much gold did Mali produce in H1 2026?

Mali produced 23.5 tonnes of industrial gold between January and June 2026.

Did Mali beat its H1 2026 gold production forecast?

Yes. Official H1 output of 23.5 tonnes exceeded the government's 21.2-tonne forecast.

Which mine was Mali's top gold producer in H1 2026?

B2Gold's Fekola operation led with 8.85 tonnes in the first six months of 2026.

What is Mali's 2026 industrial gold production target?

Mali's 2026 industrial production target is 43.2 tonnes, a level H1 results suggest the country can meet or exceed.

What new gold projects are coming online in Mali?

B2Gold's Menankoto project (150,000+ oz/yr from 2028) and Toubani's Kobada project (~162,000 oz/yr, first gold in 2027) are the key near-term additions.

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