Russia broadens its influence in Africa through a deal to build a gold purification plant

A deal to construct the largest gold purification plant in Africa has been signed between Russia and Mali, according to reports from the BBC. Mali is recognized as one of the largest gold producers in Africa.

"With the construction of this plant, the military government will gain full control over gold production and effectively enforce tax laws," said Minister Alousseni Sanou in an interview with a local TV station.

Mali, one of the prime gold producers in Africa, reported a production of over 79 short tons in 2022, according to statistics from the national office.

The alliance between Mali and Russia started to strengthen after the departure of French troops from Mali following a military coup. The authorities in Bamako also requested the UN peacekeeping mission to withdraw from the country. Presently, as reported by Agence France-Presse, nine out of the twelve bases stationed in the country have left.

Rosatom, a Russian state-owned group that brings together companies involved in nuclear energy, signed a contract with Mali in October for mineral exploration and nuclear power production. Furthermore, Mali's government and Russia agreed on the construction of a solar power plant with a capacity between 200 and 300 megawatts. The facility is expected to be operational by mid-2025.