Kodal Minerals PLC (AIM:KOD)C CEO Bernard Aylward talked with Proactive about the recent progress on its Bougouni lithium project in Mali, focusing on key milestones that position the company for near-term spodumene concentrate exports.
Aylward confirmed the successful transfer of the mining license, a critical step that marks the completion of regulatory formalities and moves the project into its next phase. "We've been very diligent with the work there to make sure that the license is transferred. That now sits in our mining company," he noted.
Kodal is now advancing toward exporting its first product, with export permitting processes underway and plant optimisation continuing. Aylward indicated that export activity is anticipated in the next quarter, contingent on meeting final compliance checks and ensuring the plant operates at peak efficiency.
The company is also building a stockpile of over 17,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate while continuing drilling at the Boumou prospect to expand its resource base. Aylward emphasised ongoing work on-site, including improvements to plant infrastructure and mining operations, all geared toward maximising long-term project value.
Proactive: Bernard, very good to speak with you. And the good news, the transfer of the mining license for your Bougouni lithium project and monies being approved. So another significant milestone for the project.
Bernard Aylward: Yes, Stephen. Look, we're very pleased. It just highlights again a lot of our ongoing discussions with the government. The success we're having in making sure that they understand the project and what we're working towards. And we've been very diligent with the work there to make sure that that license is transferred. That now sits in our mining company. The beginning and all that formality is now complete. And we're moving on to the next stage of the project. We're still in the process of completing the ramp-up and optimisation of the plant. We're starting to look forward to being able to export our first product, and we expect to be doing that in the next quarter. We're really looking at something extremely positive for the project.
Proactive: Bernard, so discussions are underway to finalise the necessary permitting for exports of your spodumene concentrate. When would you expect exports to commence?
Bernard Aylward: Look, we expect that to be in the next quarter, Stephen. And part of that involves ensuring that our plant is running at the optimum conditions. That we've got the grade coming out of the plant that we expect, that we've got everything set to proceed. We have had visits from the local governor, from the ministers associated with the environment. Previously, we've had visits from the Mali mining bureaucracy and the DNGM just to make sure that everything is ticked off. Moving ahead with that compliance. And they're all very welcome items. We have some things that we'd like to improve — some minor details to improve around the plant and the mine site — but it's all looking really good for us to achieve that export permit quickly.
Proactive: What's happening on site at the moment, Bernard, as you do optimise your operations on the plant?
Bernard Aylward: Yeah, look, there's still lots of work actually happening around the plant itself. We're constantly making improvements to the frame, to the crushers, to the conveyors, to the DMS, and from the mining activity itself. Importantly, that's focusing on making sure our DMS is up and running and working as best it can. As well as that, we're still continuing our drilling at the Boumou prospect, where we continue to intersect the pegmatite as we've seen in the previous drilling. We're continuing to improve our understanding of that prospect. All of this augurs really well for the long-term development and expansion of our project.
Proactive: And in the meantime, you're building that stockpile of spodumene concentrate, Bernard?
Bernard Aylward: Exactly. Look, I think that at our last update we had over 12,000 tonnes on the stockpile. We have over 17,000 tonnes now. It's continuing to work really well. The product looks great. We anticipate no problems once we start exporting.
Proactive: Well, Bernard, I hope you'll keep us updated on any further progress. Thanks for speaking with us today.