Mali is forecasting a slight recovery in industrial gold output in 2025 on the assumption that mining giant Barrick Gold (TSX: ABX)(NYSE: GOLD) will resume operations after a months-long standoff with the government, a document seen by Reuters on Wednesday showed.
Production is expected to reach 54.7 metric tons of gold, according to the document from the West African country’s mines ministry, after plunging 23% to 51.7 tons in 2024.
A major gold producer in Africa, Mali has around fifteen operating gold mines, mainly owned by international companies including Barrick Gold, B2GOLD, Resolute Mining, Endeavour Mining, and Hummingbird Resources.
Barrick suspended operations at its Loulo-Gounkoto operation in January after Mali’s military-led government blocked shipments from the complex and then seized three tons of gold.
Four of its employees have been detained since November on charges…
