The Malian government has seized three tonnes of gold belonging to Canadian mining company Barrick Gold, worth an estimated $180 million, as part of a tax dispute.
This action follows a provisional order issued by Malian authorities, who began implementing the seizure on January 11, 2025. The dispute between Bamako and Barrick Gold concerns revenue that the Malian state believes it is owed. In December 2024, an arrest warrant was issued for Barrick CEO Mark Bristow on money laundering charges.
Barrick Gold had previously warned that it could be forced to temporarily suspend operations if restrictions on its gold shipments were not lifted. This seizure takes place in a context where Mali, one of the main gold producers in Africa, is seeking to increase its share of revenues from mining on its territory. Similar measures have been taken against other foreign mining companies operating in the country.
