Mali has moved to expand its partnership with Russia, signing agreements on geological mapping, mining data management, development finance and transport on the sidelines of the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow.
On October 28, Mali’s Ministry of Mines signed two agreements with Zarubezhgeologiya, the international arm of Russia’s state-owned Rosgeologiya, according to Mining Weekly.
The first will create medium-scale geological maps for two areas that together cover more than half of Mali’s territory, identifying zones with potential for future mineral exploration. The second agreement provides for a national geological information system to store, visualize and analyze subsoil data, while also supporting mineral licensing and regulatory oversight.
Zarubezhgeologiya chief Alexey Desyatkin said the project should make information on Mali’s mineral resources more accessible and transparent, including for prospective investors.
In turn, Malian Mines Minister Amadou Keita said the mapping program would help identify under-explored areas and establish “promotion zones.” The partnership also includes training for staff at Mali’s National Directorate of Geology and Mines in satellite-image interpretation for geological work.
The agreements do not themselves grant Russia a mining concession or ownership of Malian resources. The deals underline Bamako’s growing alignment with Moscow as it seeks investment, security support and alternatives to Western partnerships. For Mali, the agreements offer practical tools to develop its mining sector and infrastructure. For Moscow, they reinforce its effort to deepen economic and political influence across Africa, particularly in the Sahel.
