Reform of the Chamber of Mines for Better Governance

The Malian government has dissolved the Chamber of Mines and established a Transitional College to restructure and modernize the mining sector, a key pillar of the national economy. The decision, taken during the Council of Ministers meeting on January 3, 2025, marks a turning point for mining governance in Mali.

The Chamber of Mines—created to represent stakeholders in the sector—had suffered for years from major dysfunctions, including the absence of credible elections since 2016 and a management system widely considered opaque. These shortcomings eroded trust and paralyzed an institution that is nevertheless vital to the country’s economy.

The newly established Transitional College, responsible for managing day-to-day affairs, will lay the groundwork for a structural overhaul. Its missions include preparing credible elections and implementing mechanisms to better regulate a sector that contributes 25% of fiscal revenues and accounts for nearly 80% of national exports.

This reform comes at a time when Mali, the third-largest gold producer in Africa, is seeking to maximize the economic benefits of its natural resources while reassuring investors and international partners.