MALI’S military-led government has detained four senior Malian employees of Canadian mining giant Barrick Gold, according to sources on Friday. The arrests, which reportedly occurred on Wednesday, come amidst growing pressure on international mining operations in the West African country since the military junta took power in 2020.
One government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that the arrests were linked to alleged financial crimes. Neither the Malian authorities nor Barrick Gold, the world’s second-largest gold miner and one of Mali’s leading producers, have provided official comments.
Shifting policies target gold revenue
The arrests are part of a broader shift in Mali’s mining policies, as the ruling junta seeks to capture a greater share of the country’s gold revenues. Mali, one of Africa’s largest gold producers, recently introduced a new mining code that enables the government to increase its ownership in gold concessions. These moves are part of an effort to boost state revenue from the lucrative gold sector.
Closer ties with Russia
This shake-up in the mining sector coincides with Mali’s distancing from traditional Western allies, such as France, and a pivot towards closer relations with Russia. Last year, Mali signed a deal with Russia to establish a gold refinery in Bamako and also struck an agreement with Russian state nuclear energy company Rosatom to explore for minerals and produce nuclear energy.
These developments underscore Mali’s intention to tighten control over its natural resources while reshaping its international alliances. The arrests of senior Barrick Gold employees reflect the increasing pressure on foreign mining companies operating in the country amidst ongoing regulatory changes and shifting diplomatic dynamics.
