By: Reuters

Russian state-owned company Rosgeologiya (RusGeology) has signed agreements with Mali to develop a digital geological map and an information system to manage the country's mining sector, the company said on Wednesday, marking a new step in Russia's expanding economic engagement with the military-led Sahel nation.

RusGeology's unit for projects outside Russia, Zarubezhgeologia, and Mali's Ministry of Mines signed the agreements on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa forum in Moscow

Under the deal, the parties will create a medium-scale geological map of two areas, representing more than half of Mali's territory, with identification of zones considered prospective for future mineral exploration

The sides also agreed to create the information system that would allow Mali to manage geological data, mineral licensing and regulatory oversight of mining activities

Mali's Ministry of Mines did not immediately respond to a request for comment

Alexey Desyatkin, head of Zarubezhgeologia, said the project would "help make information on the country's mineral resources more accessible and transparent, including for potential investors"

Mali is one of Africa's leading gold producers and is seeking to develop other mineral resources, including lithium

The country's military rulers have deepened ties with Russia since the 2020 coup, expanding cooperation across security, mining and energy as they move away from traditional Western partners

Neighbouring military-led Burkina Faso and Niger have followed a similar path

(Reporting by Maxim Rodionov and Polina Devitt, additional reporting by Mali newsroom, writing by Maxwell Akalaare AdombilaEditing by Xevi Fontdegloria)