Bamako, Mali - Mali will reopen the phosphate production mine at Tilemsi, located in Bourem, in the northern part of the country, PANA learnt shortly after a visit to the site by the Malian Minister of Industry, Investment and Trade, Ahmadou Abdoulaye Diallo. Exploitation was started on the open pit quarry in November 2010 by the Toguna agro-industrie company, for an estimated production of 20 million tons over 400 years. Despite difficulties related to silting of the area, Toguna plans to double production from the current 80 tons to 160 tons per day before September.

A new crushing unit, with a capacity for 40 tons per day, will be set up for this purpose.

The reopening of the mine will enable Mali to save on bills of import for agricultural inputs, estimated at over 70 billion CFA francs for a volume of about 300,000 tons.

Pana 31/03/2011