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

Mining News | 2026-08-19 05:14:04 | By Paul Ploumis

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.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Mali’s industrial gold production jumped nearly 30% in the first half of 2026. The robust production figures point to a strong recovery for the West African producer, amidst mining sector challenges.

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.

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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.

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.

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.