Discovering High-Potential Lithium Resources in One of West Africa's Emerging Mining Regions

Supporting the exploration and evaluation of lithium-bearing pegmatite deposits across the Faraba and Gouna permit areas in the Sikasso Region of Mali.

Project Overview

The Lithium Exploration Project is located in the Sikasso Region of southern Mali, approximately 200 km southeast of Bamako, covering the Faraba and Gouna exploration permits with a combined area of 175 km². Strategically positioned within one of West Africa's most prospective lithium belts, the project benefits from excellent connectivity via the RN7 and A5 national highways and is situated near internationally recognized lithium developments.

The objective of the project was to identify, evaluate, and advance spodumene-bearing pegmatite deposits through systematic geological investigations, exploration activities, and mineral resource assessment.

Location Advantages

01

Sikasso Region, Mali

02

Approximately 200 km southeast of Bamako

03

Combined permit area of 175 km²

04

Connected via RN7 & A5 National Highways

05

Sikasso Region, Close proximity to major lithium exploration and mining projects

06

River Baoulé located near the Faraba Prospect, providing potential water resources for future beneficiation

Regional Mining Potential

The project is located within a highly prospective lithium corridor surrounded by internationally recognized exploration projects.

This regional setting significantly enhances the exploration potential of the Faraba and Gouna permits.

Nearby Lithium Projects

Goulamina Lithium Project (Birimian Group)

JORC Resource: 32.9 Mt @ 1.37% Li₂O

Kodal Minerals

Over 500 km² of exploration licences across five permits

About the Prospects

Faraba Prospect

Located near Toula Village, approximately 10 km from Bougouni, the Faraba Prospect offers excellent logistical advantages with direct access to the RN7 Highway. The prospect lies only 1.5 km from the highway, while the nearby Baoulé River provides an important natural resource for future mineral processing.

01

Gouna Prospect

The Gouna Permit includes the Blakala and Gouna blocks, both accessible through all-weather roads from Bougouni. The area contains extensive pegmatite occurrences hosted within granitic formations, making it highly favourable for lithium mineralization

02

Active Operations & Development Progress

Stratmin’s operations have advanced into intensive physical development, covering pit excavation, logistics, and on-site processing activities.

Geological Characteristics

The project area is predominantly composed of:

01 - Granite
02 - Granodiorite
03 - Pegmatites
04 - Aplites

The pegmatites contain economically significant minerals including:

Spodumene

Quartz

Microcline Feldspar

Albite

Muscovite

Smoky Quartz

Extensive lateritization has developed across the area, with both granite and pegmatite units showing weathering profiles suitable for exploration

Historical Exploration

The project is located within a highly prospective lithium corridor surrounded by internationally recognized exploration projects.

Pegmatites assayed between 1.0% and 2.2% Li₂O

Drilling confirmed mineralization to depths of approximately 200 m

Pegmatite veins extending over 2 km

These historical results provided a strong foundation for the current exploration program.

Exploration Program

A comprehensive exploration campaign was undertaken to evaluate the lithium potential of the permit areas.

01 |

Detailed Geological Mapping

02 |

Surface Reconnaissance

03 |

Pegmatite Identification

04 |

Geological Logging

05 |

31 Exploration Pits (1 m × 1 m × 1 m)

06 |

8 Exploration Trenches

07 |

Surface Grab Sampling

08 |

Structural Mapping

09 |

Laboratory Analysis

10 |

Mineralization Assessment

The trenching program established pegmatite widths, continuity, and relationships between parallel mineralized bodies.

Sample Results

Laboratory analysis of grab samples confirmed encouraging lithium grades.

Blakala Block

Main Pegmatites

1.08% – 1.92%

Li₂O Range

1.63% Li₂O

Average Grade

East Zone

0.85% – 1.79%

Li₂O Range

1.44% Li₂O

Average Grade

West Zone

1.68% Li₂O

Average Grade

Faraba Block

Sinsinkourou Pegmatite

1.0% – 2.2%

Li₂O Range

1.63% Li₂O

Average Grade

Key Project Highlights

175 km² exploration area

Two lithium-bearing permits

31 exploration pits completed

8 exploration trenches

Multiple spodumene-bearing pegmatites identified

Average lithium grade of 1.63% Li₂O

Excellent infrastructure access

Strong regional geological potential

Proposed Next Phase

A comprehensive exploration campaign was undertaken to evaluate the lithium potential of the permit areas.

Petrological Studies

01

Petrological Studies

01

Multi-element Geochemical Analysis

02

Multi-element Geochemical Analysis

02

Expanded Trenching

03

Expanded Trenching

03

Diamond Drilling

04

Diamond Drilling

04

3D Geological Modelling

05

3D Geological Modelling

05

Mineral Resource Estimation

06

Mineral Resource Estimation

06

Beneficiation Studies

07

Beneficiation Studies

07

Feasibility Studies

08

Feasibility Studies

08

Pilot Plant Development

09

Pilot Plant Development

09

Lithium Exploration & Project Development

The project demonstrates strong lithium potential based on ongoing sampling:

01 – 1.63% Li₂O

Average grade across assayed samples

02 – 1.08–1.92% Li₂O

Spodumene-rich zones

03 – Surface Sampling

Grab samples from pegmatite exposures

04 – Shiva Laboratories

Samples analyzed in India

The Mali Lithium Project is progressing through a phased development program:

Phase 1 — Surface Exploration

Q1–Q3 2024 | Completed
31 pits, 8 trenches and surface sampling.

Phase 2 — Geophysics & Target Definition

Q4 2024–Q2 2025 | Completed
Magnetic and IP surveys identified pegmatite extensions.

Phase 3 — RC/DD Drilling & Resource Definition

Q3 2025–Q2 2026 | In Progress
5,000m RC and 2,000m diamond drilling.

Phase 4 — Metallurgical Testing

Q3–Q4 2026 | In Progress
Bulk sampling and beneficiation test work.

Phase 5 — Pre-Feasibility & Permitting

Q1–Q2 2027 | Planned
Feasibility studies and mining concession applications.

High-grade spodumene mineralization and systematic exploration continue to advance the Mali Lithium Project toward resource definition and development.

Stratmin's Expertise

This project demonstrates Stratmin's capabilities in delivering end-to-end mineral exploration support—from geological mapping and field investigations to sampling, data interpretation, and strategic planning. By combining technical expertise with systematic exploration methodologies, we help clients unlock the value of mineral assets while reducing exploration risk and supporting informed development decisions.

Let's Build Together

Unlock greater efficiency, responsible resource management, and exceptional project outcomes with our comprehensive mining expertise.