Kodal Minerals (AIM: KOD), the West African lithium producer, has dispatched the first truckloads of spodumene concentrate from its Bougouni Lithium Project in southern Mali. The shipments are completing customs formalities before onward transport to the port of San Pedro in Côte d’Ivoire, marking the start of Kodal’s first exports to partner and offtaker Hainan.

The operation team is initially moving 30,000 tonnes from the project stockpile, with the full 45,000-tonne stockpile expected to follow over the next four to six weeks. The aim is to ensure a ready supply at San Pedro for continued shipping.

Bernard Aylward, Kodal’s chief executive, said: “This is a major milestone for Bougouni. With the Dense Media Separation plant now operational and ore from the Ngoualana open pit processed, we can consistently manage exports of spodumene concentrate. First revenues are expected once the initial vessel is loaded under our off-take agreement with Hainan.”

The company said further updates on production and exports would be provided as operations progress.

Below is an interview with Kodal Minerals CEO Bernard Aylward who provides an overview of Kodal Minerals