Russia is set to commence geological exploration for lithium, oil, and gas deposits in Mali next month, according to a senior official speaking in Bamako on Wednesday.
The official, who wished to remain anonymous, informed Anadolu that Mali’s Economy and Finance Minister Alousseini Sanou announced that the first group of Russian specialists will arrive next month to begin their work, with a timeline for subsequent phases already established.
This announcement comes as Sanou and Energy Minister Bintou Camara are in Moscow for a week-long visit to explore investment opportunities.
The official emphasized that cooperation with Russia would enable the West African nation to “obtain the resources necessary to ensure the financing of other economic sectors.”
Mali, along with Burkina Faso and Niger, is part of the Alliance of Sahel States, which was formed in September of last year. The three countries have withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which had threatened military intervention in Niger following a coup last year. Since then, they have collaborated to combat terrorism and foster integration in areas such as a single passport, communications, and diplomacy.
