“Barrick remains committed to constructive engagement with the Malian government and all stakeholders to find an amicable solution that ensures the long-term sustainability of the Loulo-Gounkoto mining complex and its vital contribution to Mali’s economy and communities,” it said in the statement.
The Toronto-based miner did not say what amount of gold had been seized and flown out by helicopter to the state-owned Banque Malienne de Solidarité (BMS) in the capital Bamako.
The suspension follows months of escalating tensions between Barrick and the Malian government over the division of economic benefits from the Loulo-Gounkoto complex, which produced nearly 700,000 ounces of gold in 2023. Since early December, gold shipments from the site have been restricted, compounding operational challenges.
“The inability to ship gold not only affects operations but has broader implications for the local economy, the…
