Mali creates new state entity to manage national mining assets
The Malian government has launched Sopamim to manage its shares in mining projects. This follows a new code raising state ownership to thirty-five percent.
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Mali 
ML has announced the creation of a new state-owned company, Sopamim, to acquire and centrally manage the state's holdings in mining companies. The announcement was made by the Council of Ministers on February 9, 2026, marking a significant shift in how the nation oversees its extractive assets. As one of Africa’s largest gold producers, the country is seeking to streamline the administration of its interests in the Mali mining sector through this new entity.
ML has announced the creation of a new state-owned company, Sopamim, to acquire and centrally manage the state's holdings in mining companies. The announcement was made by the Council of Ministers on February 9, 2026, marking a significant shift in how the nation oversees its extractive assets. As one of Africa’s largest gold producers, the country is seeking to streamline the administration of its interests in the Mali mining sector through this new entity.The establishment of Sopamim follows the implementation of a 2023 mining code that expanded mandated state and local ownership in projects to a minimum of 35%. This policy change has already contributed to a substantial rise in fiscal returns, with state revenues from gold mining companies increasing by 52.5% in 2024. The move to centralize these holdings is part of a broader strategy by the Mali military rulers to enhance the state's role in the industry.
