On November 3, local time, the Phase I production commencement ceremony of Hainan Mining's Bougouni Lithium Mine project was held in Mali. Malian Transitional President Assimi Goïta attended and inaugurated the ceremony. Also present were Malian Minister of Mines Amadou Keïta, Bougouni Regional Governor Ousmane Wellé, community leaders, and others.

President Goïta congratulated the Bougouni Lithium Mine on its smooth entry into production, affirmed the project's positive impact on the local economy and community development, and emphasized that this milestone marks a new stage in Mali's national mineral resource development and its strategy to achieve economic sovereignty.

Hainan Mining President Teng Lei attended the ceremony and delivered a speech, highlighting the shared vision between Hainan Mining and its partner Kodal for this major project: to build the Bougouni Lithium Mine into an engine driving Mali's economic growth and a model of friendly cooperation between foreign investors and the Malian government.

Located approximately 180 kilometers south of Bamako, the capital of Mali, the Bougouni Lithium Mine began construction of its Phase I Heavy Media Separation (DMS) processing plant in mid-2024 and produced high-grade lithium concentrate for the first time in February 2025. The project has already produced over 45,000 tons of lithium concentrate. Plans are currently underway for the construction of the Phase II flotation plant.

The project is steadily transporting lithium concentrate products to the Port of San Pedro in Côte d'Ivoire as scheduled, with the first export shipment expected to be completed by the end of November. This will provide core raw materials for Hainan Mining's lithium salt project located in Hainan.

Since the project's launch, the Bougouni Lithium Mine has consistently placed community engagement at its core, reopening rural schools, constructing water storage dams, and donating tractors and medicines to the community. In the future, the Bougouni Lithium Mine will continue to expand local employment, enhance skills training, and remain committed to advancing community well-being in step with its growth.