Mali Suspends Artisanal Gold Mining Permits for Foreign Companies…

Mali has suspended artisanal gold mining permits for foreign companies due to fatal accidents. The decision, made by President Assimi Goita, aims to enhance mining safety and control over mining operations. Recent accidents have led to increased concerns over unregulated mining and its impacts on the country’s security and economy.

On Wednesday, Mali’s transitional government announced the suspension of artisanal gold mining permits for foreign companies due to a series of fatal accidents affecting miners. General Assimi Goita, the president of Mali, made this decision during a Council of Ministers meeting, which was later broadcast on national television. Mali ranks as one of Africa’s leading gold producers, and this measure aims to enhance safety in mining operations.

The decision follows recent tragedies at mining sites that resulted in numerous fatalities, including notable incidents in January and February in the Koulikoro and Kayes regions, respectively. Artisanal gold mining is estimated to yield approximately 30 tons of gold per year, contributing around 6% to Mali’s annual gold output.

Moreover, the Council’s statement outlined new strategies to recover equipment utilized in gold panning, shifting the previous framework that allowed mining companies to retrieve their gear upon payment of fines. Minister of Security and Civil Protection, General Daoud Ali Mohammedine, emphasized that these measures aim to fortify state control and safeguard citizens by granting the state authority to confiscate mining equipment for national use.

Concerns have arisen regarding the potential benefits of unregulated mining for extremist groups in northern Mali. According to the International Trade Administration, gold accounted for over 80% of Mali’s total exports in 2021, and more than two million individuals rely on the mining sector for their livelihoods.

Mali is home to several prominent gold mining corporations, including Barrick Gold, B2Gold, Resolute Mining, and Allied Gold. Relations between military authorities and mining companies have become strained, particularly as the government demands compliance with a new mining code and monetary payments. Last year, four employees from Barrick were imprisoned, and military officials seized three tons of gold from their mining site, securing the assets in a bank in Bamako.

Mali’s suspension of artisanal gold mining permits for foreign firms reflects a significant shift in response to the pressing need for enhanced safety amidst a series of mining-related fatalities. This decision not only aims to protect miners but also seeks to reduce the risks associated with unregulated mining. Furthermore, as gold remains a vital component of the Malian economy, the government’s actions indicate a rigorous approach towards regulating the sector and ensuring compliance from both local and foreign entities.

Original Source: apnews.com