AUTHORITIES in Mali have shut down the local headquarters of Canadian mining giant Barrick Gold in the capital, Bamako, amid allegations of tax non-compliance.
Two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday that the closure was triggered by what officials claim is the miner’s failure to settle outstanding tax obligations. The precise amount allegedly owed has not been disclosed publicly.
Barrick Gold, one of the world’s largest gold producers with significant operations across West Africa, had not issued an official response to the shutdown at the time of publication.
The move underscores growing tensions between African governments and foreign mining firms over fiscal transparency and resource management. Mali, a major gold-producing country, has been tightening its stance on tax enforcement as it seeks to increase revenues from its mining sector.
According to the Reuters sources, the order to shut the company’s Bamako office was issued earlier this week and executed swiftly. It remains unclear whether this action could disrupt Barrick’s operational activities in the country, although its mining operations are based outside the capital.
Barrick Gold has previously emphasised its commitment to responsible mining and regulatory compliance in Mali, where it co-owns the Loulo-Gounkoto complex, one of Africa’s largest gold mines.
This latest development follows a broader trend in the region, where mining contracts and tax obligations are under increased scrutiny. Mali’s transitional government has pledged to secure greater benefit from natural resources, even as it navigates internal political challenges and a volatile security landscape.
As of now, neither Malian officials nor representatives of Barrick Gold have provided further details or a timeline for resolving the dispute.
