Mali processed 21 exploration permits between August and September 2026, signaling a gradual revival of mining administration after nearly four years of restrictions. Fousseni Tougela, president of the Mali Chamber of Mines, reported the development during African Mining Week in Cape Town. Bamako had suspended permitting procedures in November 2022 before introducing a new Mining Code in 2023. In March 2025, the Malian government resumed taking renewal applications, although restrictions on new mining titles and certain transfers remained. Bamako introduced a new mining cadaster in April 2026, and permit renewals have since accelerated. In late August, authorities approved renewals for gold and lithium exploration projects, followed by another batch in late September. The changes could encourage investment. Meanwhile, applications for new titles remain suspended.