At the Council of Ministers meeting on 12 February, the Malian government adopted a draft decree approving a new Establishment Agreement with Nampala-SA, a subsidiary of the Canadian company Robex Resources Inc. for the exploitation of the Mininko gold deposit. This decision marks a key step in the reform of the Malian mining sector, aimed at maximising the economic benefits of the country's resources.
Located 250 km south-east of Bamako, the Nampala mine, which has been in commercial production since January 2017, is based on reserves estimated in January 2025 at 121,000 ounces of gold (around 3,765 kg), with a mine life extended to December 2026. The deposit, initially identified through research work carried out by Ressources Robex Mali-Sarl back in 2011, contains 17.35 million tonnes of ore at an average grade of 0.70 g/t, with projected annual production of 52,000 ounces (1,617 kg).
This new agreement, which follows on from a memorandum of understanding signed on 12 September 2024 between the Malian state, Robex Resources Inc. and Nampala-SA, increases the state's stake in Nampala-SA from 10% to 20%. These shares, in the form of non-contributory and non-dilutable preference shares, guarantee the State priority dividends, in line with current practices in Mali. "This agreement reflects our desire to strengthen partnerships with mining operators while ensuring a better distribution of profits", said a government source.
The mining licence for the Mininko deposit was granted to Ressources Robex-Sarl on 21 March 2012. Since then, the Nampala mine has produced around 230,000 ounces of gold (6,520 kg), with a peak in 2022 of 46,651 ounces (1,450 kg), slightly below the target of 50,000 ounces. The aim of the new agreement is to consolidate this partnership for optimum exploitation over the remaining years.
Mali is attracting several Canadian gold giants. In addition to Robex Resources, Barrick Gold operates the Loulo-Gounkoto complex in the west of the country, producing almost 700,000 ounces of gold a year, although relations with the state are strained. B2Gold, with its Fékola mine, produced 598,660 ounces in 2022, while Allied Gold Corporation produced 375,000 ounces in 2023 through its regional operations.
In a context of strengthening economic sovereignty, this agreement with Nampala-SA illustrates the Malian government's ambition to maximise the benefits of the mining sector, which represents an essential part of the national economy. It also demonstrates the commitment of Robex Resources Inc. to adapt its operations to the new priorities of its state partner, while continuing to exploit a strategic deposit.