Mali and Russia sign agreements to modernize Mali's mining sector with digital tools for geological mapping and data management, boosting economic ties.
Mali and Russia sign geological agreements
The Malian government and Zarubezhgeologiya, a Russian public operator under the Rosgeologiya state group, signed agreements on October 28 to implement digital tools for centralizing geological data and monitoring mining activities. These agreements aim to improve the efficiency and transparency of Mali's mining sector.First project focuses on geological mapping
The first project involves creating a geological map of two areas covering more than half of Mali's territory. This mapping will help identify promising sectors for mineral exploration and support future investment in the mining industry.Second project introduces digital management system
The second project focuses on a digital system for managing geological data, mining licenses, and monitoring mining activities. It also includes training for Malian specialists to ensure local capacity in operating the new system.Mining sector vital to Mali's economy
The mining sector plays a central role in Mali's economy. In 2024, it accounted for 9.5% of GDP and 78.8% of export revenues, highlighting its significance to the national economy.Mining revenue figures for 2025
According to Malian authorities, in 2025, mining companies paid 940 billion CFA francs (1.6 billion USD) to the state, while gold exports reached 2750 billion CFA francs. These figures underscore the sector's contribution to the country's finances.Mali advances digitization of mining titles
Mali has been working on digitizing the management of mining titles. On April 17, 2026, the government introduced a fully digitized cadastre system, allowing online submission of applications. This system recorded 631 mining titles, according to the Ministry of Mines.Mali and Russia expand economic ties
The agreements with Russia are part of growing economic cooperation between Mali and Russia. In July 2025, the two countries signed an agreement for Russian specialists to create a map of Mali's mineral potential, as reported by the Russian Ministry of Mines.
