West African mineral exploration and development company Kodal Minerals has begun exporting lithium spodumene concentrate from its Bougouni project in Mali.

The first truckloads are currently undergoing final customs checks before heading to the port of San Pedro in Côte d'Ivoire, marking a significant step for the Bougouni project.

Kodal plans to transport 30,000 tonnes (t) of spodumene concentrate from the project's stockpile to the port. The initial export to Hainan is expected to take between four and six weeks.

The company said the team aims to maintain a continuous flow and intends to transport the entire existing 45,000t stockpile, ensuring a consistent supply at the San Pedro port for future shipments.

Kodal Minerals CEO Bernard Aylward said: "Following the successful construction of the Dense Media Separation plant (“DMS”) and processing of ore from the Ngoualana open pit, we are now in a position to consistently manage the exporting of Bougouni’s spodumene concentrate.”

“The first shipment of spodumene concentrate is planned to be 30,000t, with first revenue expected upon completion of loading of the vessel in the San Pedro port as agreed in the off-take agreement. Further updates on the Bougouni operation and export will be provided as developments continue.”

Situated around 180km south of Mali’s capital, Bamako, the Bougouni lithium project covers an area of 350km² in the Birimian terrain of West Africa.

The project produced the first lithium oxide (Li₂O) spodumene concentrate earlier this year following the commissioning phase of the full stage one DMS at the project.

The project is operated by Les Mines de Lithium de Bougouni (LMLB), a subsidiary of Kodal Mining UK. Kodal holds a 49% shareholding in LMLB.

Stage two at Bougouni will feature a flotation plant that is expected to operate from 2028 to 2038, with an annual forecast output of 230,000t of Li₂O.