Mali has suspended foreign artisanal gold mining licenses due to fatal accidents. The decision was announced by General Assimi Goita in a bid to enhance safety and regulate mining operations. The government plans to confiscate mining equipment as part of the new measures. Mali’s gold sector is critical to the economy but poses risks related to extremism and conflicts with military authorities.
On Wednesday, Mali suspended licenses for foreign artisanal gold mining companies due to a series of fatal accidents. General Assimi Goita, the head of Mali’s transitional government, announced this decision following a Council of Ministers meeting, as reported on the national television station ORTM. This measure reflects growing safety concerns in one of Africa’s leading gold producers, which has witnessed multiple deadly incidents in recent months.
The recent accidents occurred in the Koulikoro and Kayes regions, leading to numerous fatalities. Artisanal gold mining in Mali produces approximately 30 tons of gold annually, accounting for 6% of the nation’s total gold production. The government plans to enhance regulations and prioritize citizen safety by recovering mining equipment and incorporating it into the national heritage.
General Daoud Ali Mohammedine, Minister of Security and Civil Protection, emphasized that the measures aim to empower state authorities and safeguard the population. The new directive will allow officials to confiscate mining materials, contrasting with previous regulations where companies could reclaim their equipment after a fine.
Moreover, concerns have emerged regarding the unregulated profits from mining in northern Mali potentially benefiting extremist groups. In 2021, gold exports made up over 80% of Mali’s total exports, highlighting the sector’s significance, with more than two million people relying on mining for their livelihoods.
Mali is home to several prominent gold production companies such as Barrick Gold, B2Gold, Resolute Mining, and Allied Gold. Tensions are evident between these enterprises and military authorities over financial demands and adherence to a revised mining code. As of late last year, at least four employees of Barrick remained imprisoned, and military authorities seized three tons of gold from the company’s mining operations, depositing it in a Bamako bank.
In summary, Mali’s suspension of foreign artisanal gold mining permits represents a significant shift in response to safety concerns following recent accidents. The initiative aims to protect citizens and regulate mining operations better, while also addressing the potential for illicit profits to fund extremist activities. Amid these changes, the mining sector remains crucial to Mali’s economy, as it supports a large portion of the population and national exports.
Original Source: apnews.com
