Barrick Gold and Mali Reach Tentative Agreement Amid Employee Arrests

The agreement aims to resolve disputes over Loulo and Gounkoto mines, with details to be finalized soon.

Barrick Gold Corporation and the Mali government have agreed on a tentative settlement to address their ongoing disputes over the Loulo and Gounkoto gold mines.
The agreement's specifics will be disclosed once the terms are finalized, and it is based on Barrick’s original proposals.
Barrick's CEO, Mark Bristow, acknowledged the challenging nature of the negotiations but emphasized the importance of the mines to Mali's economy.
The agreement comes shortly after the arrest of four Barrick employees in Mali, amid allegations of financial crimes.
Mali's new mining code, which allows the government to acquire up to a 35% stake in mining projects, has been a point of contention in the negotiations.