Though Mali is a poor, heavily indebted and land-locked country in Sub-Saharan Africa, it has great potential wealth in bauxite, iron ore, base metals and phosphate deposits.

Gold

Mali is Africa’s third largest gold producer with large scale exploration ongoing. Mali currently has seven operating gold mines which include: Kalana and Morila in Southern Mali, Yatela, Sadiola and Loulo in Western Mali. Gold represents over 90% of Mali’s mineral wealth.

Uranium

Exploration is currently being carried out by several companies with clear indications of deposits of uranium in Mali. Uranium potential in Falea is thought to be 5000 tonnes  and in Samit deposit, Gao region, 200 tonnes.

Diamonds

Mali has potential to develop its diamond exploration: in the Kayes administrative region. Some eight small diamonds have been picked in the Sikasso administrative region (southern Mali).

Precious stones

Precious stones in Mali include Garnets, rare magnetic minerals, pegmatite, corindons, metamorphosing minerals, quartz and carbonates

Iron Ore, Bauxite and Manganese

Mali has estimates of more than 2 million tonnes of iron ore reserves located in the areas of Djidian-Kenieba, Diamou and Bale. Bauxite reserves are thought to be 1.2 million tonnes located in Kita, Kenieba and Bafing- Makana. Traces of manganese have been found in Bafing – Makana, Tondibi and Tassiga.

Other mineral resources

• Calcarous rock deposits
• Copper
• Lead and zinc
• Lithium
• Bitumen schist
• Lignite
• Marble
• Gypsum
• Kaolin
• Phosphate
• Rock Salt
• Diatomite

Oil

Mali’s Petroleum potential is already attracting significant interest from investors. There are probable indications of oil and exploration is ongoing.

Wild animals

Mali has African Lions, Ball Pythons, Black Rhinos, crocodiles, chimpanzees, dromedary camels, elephants, lemurs, Mandrill Baboons, meerkat, giraffes, hippos, leopards, spotted hyenas and many bird species.