Mali has suspended the issuance of new artisanal mining permits to foreigners following recent mining accidents that left dozens dead, the government said Wednesday.
A February 15 mine collapse in the gold-rich Kayes region killed 43 people, mostly women. On January 29, 13 miners, including women and three children, died in southwest Mali when a tunnel they were working in flooded.
In response, Mali’s Council of Ministers announced the suspension of artisanal mining permits for foreign nationals and dismissed administrative and security officials linked to the incidents, according to a government statement.
Mali, one of Africa’s top gold producers, hosts industrial mines operated by international companies including Barrick Gold, B2Gold, Resolute Mining, and Hummingbird Resources.
Since taking power in a 2020 military coup, Mali’s rulers have pledged to scrutinize the mining sector to ensure greater state benefits from soaring gold prices. This has led to disputes with foreign firms, including an unresolved conflict with Barrick.
Mali’s industrial gold production fell 23% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
