- Russia and Mali signed new agreements on nuclear energy and natural resource development, including plans for a Russian-designed low-power nuclear plant.
- Construction has begun on a Russian-backed gold refinery near Bamako.
Russia has deepened its economic and trade relations with Mali after President Vladimir Putin hosted Colonel Assimi Goita, Mali’s military leader, for a high-level meeting at the Kremlin on Monday, June 23.
During their two-hour discussion, Putin described bilateral relations as moving along a “positive trajectory,” despite current modest trade volumes, according to Russian state media and Reuters. He highlighted opportunities for expanded cooperation in geological exploration, natural resource development, energy, logistics, and humanitarian initiatives.
Among the key agreements signed was a deal on nuclear energy cooperation. Russia and Mali reaffirmed plans to construct a low-power nuclear plant designed by Russia, marking a significant step in Mali’s strategy to diversify its energy sources and address persistent electricity shortages. The agreement mirrors a similar move by neighbouring Burkina Faso, which finalised a comparable nuclear energy deal with Russia last week.
In another significant development, construction has commenced on a Russian-backed gold refinery near Bamako’s international airport. The facility spans five hectares and will process up to 200 metric tons of gold annually, quadrupling Mali’s current processing capacity.
The new refinery aims to meet international certification standards, producing gold with 99.5% purity and helping Mali reduce its dependence on foreign refineries. Despite being one of Africa’s top gold producers, the country lacks a globally certified facilitator.
On the security front, Russian mercenary forces have continued supporting Goita’s junta government following the withdrawal of French and U.N. forces stationed in Mali to fight insurgencies.
These agreements reflect Russia’s growing influence in West Africa and Mali’s efforts to assert greater sovereignty over its resources, infrastructure, and energy future.