Mali’s military-led government has arrested four senior employees of Canadian mining company Barrick Gold, sources confirmed on Friday.
The four individuals, all Malian nationals, were detained for alleged financial crimes, according to a government official who spoke anonymously. The arrests were made on Wednesday.
Barrick Gold, the world’s second-largest gold miner and a major player in Mali’s gold sector, declined to comment on the matter. Malian authorities have not yet provided an official statement regarding the arrests.
Mali, one of Africa’s largest gold producers, has been tightening its control over the mining sector since a junta seized power in 2020. The government has introduced a new mining code allowing it to increase its share of gold revenue.
This move is part of broader efforts by the junta to reshape Mali’s economic and foreign policies. The country has been distancing itself from Western nations, such as France, while strengthening ties with Russia.
Mali recently signed agreements with Russia to build a gold refinery and explore nuclear energy, further shifting its international alliances.
