Malian Mining Dispute Resolved: Employees Released After Year-Long Standoff

Four Malian employees of Barrick Mining were released after a year in detention due to a dispute between the company and Mali over mining revenue. The two-year negotiation concluded with an agreement resolving all issues related to the Loulo-Gounkoto gold mining complex.

In a significant development, four Malian employees of Barrick Mining have been freed after spending a year in detention in Bamako. Their release follows the resolution of a prolonged dispute between Barrick Mining and the Malian government centered on the implementation of a new mining code.

The code, which grants Mali a larger share of revenue amid soaring gold prices, had caused a standoff since November 2024. Eventually, the Canadian mining company and the Malian authorities reached an agreement, resolving all issues related to the Loulo-Gounkoto gold mining complex.

The release was confirmed by three sources familiar with the matter, though they declined to be named due to the sensitive nature of the information.

(With inputs from agencies.)