Mali Kicks Off Construction of National Gold Refinery
On 16 June 2025, Malian President Assimi Goita officially kicked off the construction of the National Gold Refinery during bricklaying ceremony. The Refinery is made possible thanks to a partnership between Russian company Yadran Group and the Government of Mali.
The Government of Mali is the controlling shareholder with the State-Owned Entreprise SOREM holding 62% in the Joint Venture (#JV). Yadran will contribute both financially and technically to realize the Refinery.
“What we constructing is not just a Refinery. We are creating jobs and bringing more money into the state’s coffers. Mali will graduate from being a low-value raw mineral exporter to a high-value gold producer.“
Yadran Representative Sedan Veselinovic
The start of the construction of the National Gold Refinery marks the turning point in the history of Mali. The Refinery is located in Senou and is desgined for an annual capacity of 200 tonnes.
Since ancient times, Mali is reputed for its gold riches. Today, it is ranked as the 3rd largest gold producer in Africa. For too long, Mali exporting raw ore; the refinery will allow for local value addition #(LVA). With local beneficiation, Mali expects to reap the lion’s share of the benefits from its mineral endowments.
The Refinery Complex spreads over 5 hectares of land and is expected to be completed within one year. In addition to the refining plant, the Refinery will have an assay laboratory, high-security warehousing and logistical links to the region. As a matter of fact, the Refinery has a regional scope and ambitions to refine gold ore from nearby West African countries as well.