Barrick’s president and chief executive, Mark Bristow, voiced strong opposition to the order, deeming it “unwarranted” and contrary to the dispute resolution mechanisms agreed upon with the Malian government.
The Canadian mining giant has been embroiled for months in a dispute with the government over the division of economic benefits from the Loulo-Gounkoto complex, which in 2023 produced nearly 700,000 ounces of gold. Shipments of gold have been restricted since early December.
“The inability to ship gold not only affects operations but has broader implications for the local economy, the 8,000 employees, and the many local service providers,” Bristow said. He warned that if the issue is not resolved within a week, Barrick will be forced to temporarily suspend operations— a move he described as “deeply regrettable but necessary.”
Barrick submitted in December a request for arbitration through…
