Russia to Start Prospecting to Help Mali Exploit Its Subsoil, Malian Minister Says

Mali is engaged in discussions with Russian companies such as Rosatom and Tenex regarding the exploration and exploitation of its natural resources, Malian Minister of Economy Alousseni Sanou said in an interview with Sputnik Africa on the sidelines of the Russian Energy Week 2024 in Moscow.

According to Sanou, these projects, involving lithium, oil, and gas, could significantly contribute to Mali's development.

"We have even set a timetable for the start of extraction. [...] A team from the Russian Federation is expected to arrive in Mali at the end of October to conduct the first on-site exploration. [...] The Russian Federation will provide us with sufficient resources to finance the development of all other sectors," the minister stated.

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Furthermore, the West African is interested in BRICS, considering "the current structure of multilateral cooperation," Sanou noted, underscoring that the bloc considers the present circumstances of all nations, specifically those in the Sahel region like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

"The fact that many countries like Burkina Faso and others, perhaps Mali, obviously, are interested in the BRICS simply comes from the fact that it is another group that will exist alongside the current cooperation, which is denounced by everyone, given the fact that it is not well-balanced compared to African countries," the minister said.

Mali also does not rule out joining the Russian analogue of SWIFT.

"SWIFT can be used for other purposes, as we can see here and there. So, today, benefiting from a second transfer system can only be beneficial. Mali will soon look at this system, knowing that it is simply enough for banks to work in currencies that are mastered by us. [...] I think that is really a very good thing, and we are really watchful," he explained.

Sanou further noted that de-dollarizing trade "aligns perfectly with the interests" of Mali.

"Being able to trade in the currency of your choice, whether rubles or CFA francs, is an opportunity that all states will want to seize," he said.

He commended the initiative announced this week by Russian President Vladimir Putin to establish an independent payment system using national currencies.

"We want to develop our trade partnership with Russia, particularly in areas like buying fertilizers, buying hydrocarbons, and many other things. Mali is very interested in this initiative, which aligns perfectly with the interests of our country," Sanou stated.

The minister also addressed a crucial issue regarding communications. He mentioned that satellites would enable the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to bolster its defense and secure its communication channels.

Earlier this week, the AES ministers announced the upcoming implementation of a satellite communication and remote sensing project, with Russian support.

Sanou noted that the three member states of the AES are predominantly agricultural countries, emphasizing the critical role of the satellite in extending internet access to remote areas, which is essential for fostering regional development and enhancing connectivity in underserved communities.

"People in remote areas need to communicate and connect with markets. So, this telecommunications satellite will allow us to ensure broader coverage of our territories in terms of communications, telecommunications, and internet access," the minister explained.

Regarding the remote sensing satellite, Sanou noted its primary use for security purposes.

"We will be able to monitor all the borders and track population movements. In terms of internal security, this will let us have information about population movements, about everything we call climate change," the official said.

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Speaking of joint Russian-Malian projects, Sanou revealed that his country is considering a second phase of solar power plant development with Russian support.

Technical discussions on the 200 megawatt photovoltaic plant to be built by the Russian renewable energy company NovaWind have been completed, and teams will go to the field before the end of October, the minister added.

"We know that the country cannot develop without mastering energy. Mali faces many challenges in energy production and distribution. So, this is why we turned to the Russian Federation to develop solar energy and, in the future, nuclear energy. All the things that will allow us to ensure the correct distribution of energy across the country and enable us to ensure the processing of all agricultural products," he stated.

Moreover, Russian state company Rosatom awarded scholarships to four Malian students to come to Russia in October, and Mali also plans to send another 15 students in 2025, Sanou told Sputnik Africa.

"In order to establish nuclear power plants, it requires a minimum of seven years. First, we need a year to finalize all the discussions. Then, it takes about four years for exchanges with the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the Russian Federation, through Rosatom, will support us throughout this process. Finally, it takes another year and a half to set up the project. That's why we are now sending students for training," the minister explained.

The energy partnership with Moscow also includes a "transfer of skills and technologies" that allows Mali to be more independent, Sanou concluded.