MALI Law and Practice Contributed by: Felana Ranaivoson and Tiavina Rakotonaivo, John W Ffooks & Co
3. Climate Change, Energy Transition and Sustainable Development in Mining 3.1 Climate Change Effects Climate initiatives affect Mali’s mining sector through stricter requirements. Mali integrates strategic envi - ronmental assessments ( evaluation environnementale stratégique (EES)) into its mining policies and land- use planning. This approach can enhance the mining sector’s contribution to sustainable development. In this regard, mining companies are adopting cleaner technologies and enhanced environmental standards. 3.2 Climate Change Legislation and Proposals Related to Mining No specific climate change legislation related to min - ing has been passed in Mali but discussions and initia - tives are ongoing, particularly to align the sector with global sustainability goals. The Mining Code of 2023 includes provisions that emphasise environmental protection and the need for mining projects to inte - grate climate-related strategies. 3.3 Sustainable Development Initiatives Related to Mining Mali has adopted a new vision that integrates mining activities into a sustainable development framework. This includes social, economic and environmental dimensions, with a focus on mining communities and regions. Mining is now seen as an integral part of the national economy. The Decennial Programming Law (2018–2028) will define a clear policy for the develop - ment of the mining and petroleum sectors, outlining stakeholders’ responsibilities. 3.4 Energy-Transition Minerals In Mali, there is currently no specific legislation target - ing energy-transition minerals like lithium, cobalt, rare earths or copper. However, the government is explor - ing policies to promote their exploration and exploi - tation due to rising global demand. Initiatives include developing untapped mineral resources and attracting foreign investments in these energy-transition miner - als. These efforts are part of a strategy to diversify the mining economy beyond gold.
• high unemployment; and • economic damage and safety risks.
Illegal mining can take many forms, including min - ing activity in the absence of a mining licence and obtaining a licence by fraudulent means. The latter is punishable by a fine and imprisonment, and even can - cellation of the licence. In the event of mining activity in the absence of a mining licence, materials used in the activity are seized and brought to court. 2.9 Good and Bad Examples of Community Relations/Consultation Impacting Mining Projects In Mali, there are examples of both good and bad environmental and community relations surrounding mining projects. Good examples include: • the Diba Gold Project, where Altus Strategies implemented a long-term community development programme focused on health and education; • some mining operations that have funded voca - tional training centres equipping local residents with skills relevant to mining and related industries, creating better employment opportunities; and • partnerships with international organisations and NGOs that have supported infrastructure pro - jects focusing on road construction, corridors and energy access. Bad examples include: • artisanal gold mining, which has been practiced for centuries and is a way of life for communities and an integral part of the socio-economic system of the region in question, but nonetheless leads to severe environmental degradation due to a lack of environmental safeguards; and • certain mining projects that lead to tension between the community and operators due to inadequate environmental safeguards, in turn lead - ing to environmental degradation such as land and water contamination.
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