Barrick Employees Freed in Mali After Mining Code Dispute Settlement

Four Malian employees of Barrick Mining have been released from prison after spending a year in detention, following a breakthrough agreement between the Canadian gold producer and Mali’s government.

The employees had been held in Bamako since November 2024 amid a tense standoff over the country’s revised mining code. The legislation, introduced to secure a larger share of revenues for the state, coincided with record‑high global gold prices and sparked disputes with international operators.

Barrick confirmed on Monday that it reached a comprehensive settlement with authorities to resolve all outstanding issues related to the Loulo‑Gounkoto mining complex, one of Mali’s most strategic gold assets. The deal concluded two years of negotiations and included the release of the detained staff.

Industry observers note that the resolution underscores Mali’s determination to enforce its new mining framework while balancing investor confidence. The Loulo‑Gounkoto complex remains central to Mali’s gold output, a sector that accounts for the majority of the country’s export earnings.

Sources familiar with the matter, who requested anonymity, confirmed the release but declined to provide further details.