### Barrick Gold Resolves Long-Standing Dispute with Mali Government Over Mining Operations - Barrick Gold has successfully negotiated an agreement with the Malian government, effectively ending a two-year dispute over the Loulo-Gounkoto mining complex. This resolution allows Barrick to regain operational control of the mine and ensures the release of four employees who had been detained during the conflict. The dispute primarily revolved around Mali's new mining code, which increased the state's share of revenue from gold producers, leading to heightened tensions and legal challenges between the two parties [https://www.africanlawbusiness.com/news/barrick-resolves-mali-mining-dispute-drops-icsid-arbitration][https://apnews.com/article/mali-barrick-gold-mine-dispute-8917f68fed7baa1090a4517bfa275bc4]. ### Breakdown of the Dispute Resolution Process 1. **Background of the Dispute**: - The conflict began in 2023 over Mali's new mining code, which mandated a higher revenue share for the government from mining operations. This led to accusations of unpaid taxes against Barrick and the arrest of its employees [https://www.kitco.com/news/off-the-wire/2025-11-24/barrick-and-mali-agree-principle-resolve-dispute-over-gold-mine]. 2. **Key Developments**: - On November 24, 2025, both parties announced a commitment to halt all legal proceedings, with Barrick agreeing to comply with the new mining code [https://www.marketscreener.com/news/barrick-gold-and-mali-resolve-mining-dispute-detained-employees-to-be-released-ce7d5edcd08bf323]. - The agreement includes the dropping of charges against Barrick employees and the restoration of operational control over the Loulo-Gounkoto complex [https://investingnews.com/barrick-announces-resolution-of-its-disputes-with-mali]. 3. **Implications of the Agreement**: - The resolution is expected to restore investor confidence in Barrick's operations in Mali, a significant player in the African gold mining sector [https://investingnews.com/barrick-regains-mali-gold-mine]. - The agreement marks a critical step in stabilizing Barrick's operations and ensuring the future of one of the world's largest gold mining complexes [https://inews.zoombangla.com/barrick-gold-resumes-control-over-malis-loulo-gounkoto-mine-after-dispute-resolution]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Operational Control**: Barrick has regained full operational control of the Loulo-Gounkoto mine, which is one of Africa's largest gold mining complexes [https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/2025/11/24/barrick-mining-reaches-deal-to-settle-dispute-with-government-in-mali]. - **Employee Release**: The agreement includes the release of four Barrick employees who were detained during the dispute, highlighting the human impact of the conflict [https://southernafricantimes.com/barrick-gold-and-mali-reach-agreement-to-end-mining-dispute-and-secure-release-of-detained-employees]. - **Financial Impact**: The resolution of the dispute is anticipated to positively influence Barrick's financial standing and operational stability in the region, as it aligns with the new mining regulations [https://www.indexbox.io/blog/barrick-reaches-agreement-with-mali-to-end-loulo-gounkoto-dispute]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter for Barrick Gold in Mali - **Major Findings**: 1. Barrick Gold has successfully resolved its disputes with the Malian government, ending a two-year standoff and restoring operational control over the Loulo-Gounkoto mining complex. 2. The agreement includes the release of detained employees and compliance with Mali's new mining code, which is expected to enhance the company's operational framework in the country. 3. This resolution is likely to restore investor confidence and stabilize Barrick's operations in one of Africa's key gold-producing regions. The resolution of this dispute marks a significant turning point for Barrick Gold, allowing it to focus on its mining operations and contribute to the local economy while adhering to the new regulatory framework established by the Malian government [https://www.mining-journal.com/miners/news-articles/4523658/end-barrick-mali-dispute-sight].