Mali Halts Foreign Artisanal Gold Mining Permits After Deadly Collapse

Mali has suspended artisanal gold mining permits to foreigners following a fatal mine collapse that killed 49 people. Interim President Assimi Goita is pushing for enhanced regulations to prevent further tragedies. Additional measures include the seizure of mining equipment and dismissals of local officials linked to fatal incidents. Mali aims to bolster state interests in its mining sector amid ongoing disputes with major companies.

Mali has halted the issuance of permits for small-scale gold mining to foreign nationals following numerous tragic incidents, including a recent mine collapse that resulted in the deaths of at least 49 individuals, predominantly women. In response to this crisis, Interim President Assimi Goita mandated the government to implement enhanced regulations aimed at preventing further human and environmental tragedies.

The newly introduced measures focus on suspending local authorities’ ability to issue artisanal mining permits to foreigners, confiscating equipment used in illegal gold extraction, and dismissing local officials in areas where fatal mining accidents have occurred. These actions underscore the military leadership’s commitment to tightening control over Mali’s valuable mining sector.

As Africa’s second-largest gold producer, Mali is currently enacting various reforms including a new mining code that aims to increase government ownership in mining projects. The country is also engaged in a revenue dispute with the Canadian company Barrick Gold Corp. concerning operations at the Loulo-Gounkoto mining complex, which is Mali’s most significant gold mine.

The suspension of artisanal gold mining permits to foreign nationals in Mali reflects a critical response to recent mining tragedies. By instituting stringent measures and reforms, the Mali government aims to safeguard its citizens and the environment while maintaining control over its lucrative mining sector. This situation illustrates the complex relationship between resource extraction and regulatory frameworks in the region.

Original Source: www.mining.com