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Mali, Barrick Gold Settle Major Tax Dispute
25 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Mali's junta and Barrick Gold resolved a two-year tax dispute.
- Detained Barrick employees will be released, and gold returned.
- Barrick agrees to Mali's new mining code, increasing state revenue.
Mali's military government and Canadian mining giant Barrick Gold have finalized an agreement to end a protracted tax dispute. The resolution pertains to one of Africa's largest gold operations, the Loulo-Gounkoto complex, which has been at the center of a two-year standoff.
The agreement signifies a critical de-escalation, with both parties committing to halt all ongoing legal proceedings and disputes related to customs and taxes. Barrick Gold has agreed to comply with Mali's updated 2023 mining code, which stipulates increased state ownership in new mining ventures. This move aims to bolster national revenue for Mali.
As part of the settlement, Barrick's four detained employees are set to be released, and three tons of gold previously seized by the junta will be returned to the company. Operational control of the Loulo-Gounkoto complex will also be reinstated to Barrick, concluding a period of provisional administration and international arbitration requests.
