Bamako, Mali — Mali has released roughly 20 billion CFA francs (about 33 million U. S. Dollars) to elected councils across mining regions, the first transfer triggered by the 2023 mining code that obliges the state to share a portion of gold royalty income locally, according to government statements released this week.
A finance ministry communiqué said the funds were drawn from royalties collected during the last quarter of 2025 and covers 53 councils in Kayes, Koulikoro, Sikasso and Gao regions where industrial gold mines operate. Transfers ranged from 90 million to 1. 5 billion CFA francs per council depending on production volumes, local reports indicate.
The ministry instructed councils to spend the money on schools, clinics, water and road projects “within 12 months” and to publish budgets on municipal notice boards. Auditors will inspect works late this year, official statements indicate. Implementation was delayed while treasury software was updated to track the new formula.
Regional officials confirmed that councillors in several districts held emergency sessions this week to prioritise project lists.
In Kéniéba, the mayor’s office told residents a new health centre and grain market would start “within weeks,” according to local sources. Further details on individual tenders were not immediately available.
The government stated that future transfers will occur every quarter “provided global gold prices remain above 1,800 dollars an ounce. ” Prices have held near 1,950 dollars this month, trading records show. Officials have not yet commented on whether the same mechanism will apply to newly opened lithium and bauxite permits.
Further details are expected after the next cabinet meeting scheduled for late March.
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Source: Africa.
