Barrick Mining reaches deal to settle dispute with government in Mali

This photo taken on Monday Jan. 22, 2020 shows the gold mine digs in Kidal, Mali. (AP Photo/Baba Ahmed)

Barrick Mining Corp. says it has signed a deal with the government of Mali to resolve their dispute over the company’s Loulo and Gounkoto mines.

The miner has been in conflict with Mali’s military rulers over alleged unpaid taxes and unfair contracts with past governments.

A judge in Mali ordered in June that Barrick’s Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex be placed under provisional administration for six months.

Under the deal announced Monday, Barrick says all charges brought against the company, its affiliates and employees will be dropped and steps for the release of the four detained Barrick employees will be undertaken.

It also says that the provisional administration of the Loulo-Gounkoto complex will be terminated and operational control will be handed back to the company.

Barrick says its subsidiaries will withdraw the arbitration claims pending before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 24, 2025.