• Mali applies to reopen Loulo-Gounkoto gold mine, closed by Barrick since January
• Court decision expected May 15; new management could oversee operations
• Dispute over unpaid taxes between Barrick and government remains unresolved

The Loulo-Gounkoto gold mine in Mali, the country’s largest and Africa’s second-biggest, has been inactive since January 2025, following a suspension by Barrick Mining. The mine produced 723,000 ounces of gold in 2024.

According to sources cited by Reuters, the Malian government has asked the Commercial Court of Bamako to approve the mine’s reopening. A decision is expected by May 15. If granted, operations would resume under a newly appointed management team. As of now, neither the government nor Barrick has made an official statement.

Exports from the mine were stopped in November 2024, after Malian authorities seized nearly three tonnes of gold on-site. This led Barrick to halt operations. Although a memorandum of understanding was announced in February 2025, the process has stalled due to actions by the Malian government.

At the heart of the dispute is the state’s effort to recover between CFA300 billion and CFA600 billion in unpaid taxes from mining companies. While some firms have reached settlements with the government, Barrick has not.

If the court approves the reopening, tensions may rise further between Barrick and the government. Key questions remain about who will manage the mine, the future of Barrick employees and contractors, and whether this move signals a broader attempt to take control of the Loulo-Gounkoto complex.

The mine represented about 15% of Barrick’s total gold production in 2024. The court’s decision could help clarify the future of this major asset.