The Malian Government has announced the suspension of new artisanal mining permits to foreign nationals following a series of deadly accidents, reported Reuters.
In a recent Council of Ministers meeting, the government also approved the dismissal of several administrative and security officials linked to these incidents.
The decision came in response to two recent tragedies: a mine collapse on 15 February that claimed 43 lives and a flooded tunnel on 29 January that resulted in 13 fatalities.
Interim President Assimi Goita has “instructed the government to strengthen measures to avoid human and environmental tragedies”, Minister of Security and Civil Protection, General Daoud Aly Mohamedinne, was quoted as saying by Bloomberg.
The measures also include halting local councils from issuing artisanal mining licences to foreign individuals and confiscating any machinery employed in gold extraction at small-scale mines.
Mali, a leading gold producer, hosts operations by international companies such as Barrick Gold, B2Gold, Resolute Mining and Hummingbird Resources.
Since a military coup in 2020, Mali’s leaders have committed to revising the mining sector to ensure greater state benefits from high gold prices.
This has led to disputes with foreign companies, including an ongoing issue with Barrick Gold.
However, a new agreement reached last month with Barrick may settle a two-year dispute over mining operations in the country.
Mali is expected to receive CFA Fr750bn ($1.2bn) from mining companies in the first quarter of 2025 after mining sector reforms, including a new mining code.
Mali’s industrial gold production saw a decline of 23% year-over-year in 2024, reflecting the challenges faced by the industry.
CEOs of gold mining companies have said that these changes necessitate adjustments for future investment in Mali’s gold sector.
