Mali’s Gold Production Surges 30% In First Half Of 2026

Mali’s gold production rose by about 30% in the first half of 2026, signalling a strong recovery for the country’s mining sector after a difficult 2025.

Industrial gold output reached 23.5 tonnes in the first six months of 2026, up from around 18 tonnes during the same period last year and above the government’s forecast of 21.2 tonnes.

The latest figures put Mali on track to meet or exceed its full-year production target of 43.2 tonnes. The recovery follows tensions between the government and mining companies that contributed to weaker production in 2025.

Major Mines Drive Growth

B2Gold’s Fekola mine was the largest contributor, producing 8.85 tonnes during the first half of the year. Barrick’s Loulo operation followed with 6.9 tonnes, already exceeding its full-year 2025 output of 5.5 tonnes.

Other significant contributors included Allied with 3.5 tonnes and Resolute with 3 tonnes.

Mali has also continued reforms aimed at increasing government revenues from the mining sector, although the changes initially caused disruption across the industry.

New Projects Could Boost Output

The outlook for Mali’s gold industry is also being strengthened by new developments. The country’s Council of Ministers approved a large-scale mining permit for B2Gold’s Menankoto project, supporting the development of another major gold operation.

B2Gold expects Menankoto to produce more than 150,000 ounces annually from 2028, while Toubani Resources’ Kobada project is targeting first gold in 2027 with expected annual production of about 162,000 ounces.

The stronger first-half performance, combined with new projects, could help Mali increase mining revenues and reinforce its position as one of Africa’s leading gold producers.