Mali Court Rejects Barrick Appeal as Mining Dispute Deepens

Photo Source: Business Insider Africa

A Malian judge has formally rejected an appeal by Barrick Mining to release four employees who were arrested in November 2024 on charges including money laundering and alleged regulatory infractions. Judge Samba Sarr ruled the appeal “unfounded,” leaving the employees in continued pre‑trial detention in Bamako Barrick has firmly rejected all allegations, calling them politically motivated and without merit.

Barrick holds an 80 percent stake in Mali’s lucrative Loulo‑Gounkoto gold mine, with the Malian government holding 20 percent. The company’s operations at the mine have been suspended since January following a government order to block gold exports and seizure of more than three metric tonnes of gold inventory. Just days before the court ruling, military helicopters removed an additional tonne of gold valued at approximately $117 million.

Context of the Conflict

This legal setback is part of a broader showdown between Barrick and Mali’s military government. In late 2023, Mali introduced a controversial new mining code that significantly raised royalty rates, removed tax exemptions, and empowered the state with options for increased ownership in mining projects. Barrick, which accounts for roughly 14 percent of its global gold output from Mali, disputes the retroactive application of the new code to its existing contract.

The court ruling amplifies the stakes. In December 2024, Mali also issued an arrest warrant for Barrick’s CEO, Mark Bristow, accusing him of money laundering and violations of financial regulations.

What the Decision Means

Barrick’s appeal setback makes clear the legal and political climate in Mali is increasingly hostile to foreign mining companies. Without access to legal resolution or market stability, operations remain in limbo. The detained staff are likely to remain in custody unless new evidence is provided or further legal action is taken.

Broader Implications for African Mining

Mali’s assertive posture reflects a regional trend. Burkina Faso, Niger, and other Sahel countries are revising contracts and boosting government stakes in extractive industries amid soaring mineral prices. This shift represents a broader move toward resource sovereignty and reparations for decades of external profit at African expense.

For Barrick, and the mining sector at large, the outcome is a warning. Sustained conflict, legal uncertainty, and nationalisation threats may reshape how mining operates across West Africa—whether through renegotiation or withdrawal.