Fact Check: Barrick Gold Faces Accusations of Owing Significant Unpaid Taxes in Mali
What We Know
Barrick Gold Corporation is currently embroiled in a significant legal dispute with the Malian government regarding alleged unpaid taxes. A judge in Mali recently ordered the company's Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex to be placed under provisional administration for six months due to these tax disputes (AP News). Reports indicate that the Malian government has claimed Barrick owes approximately $500 million in unpaid taxes, which has led to escalating tensions between the two parties (Reuters).
The situation has escalated to the point where Barrick's operational control of the mine has been transferred to an external administrator, while Barrick maintains that it is still the legal owner of the mine (ABC News). Additionally, the government has taken measures such as closing Barrick's office in Bamako and blocking gold exports from the site, further complicating the dispute (Mining.com).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that Barrick Gold faces accusations of owing significant unpaid taxes in Mali is substantial. Multiple credible news sources report on the ongoing conflict, highlighting the Malian government's assertions of unpaid taxes and the legal actions taken against Barrick. The appointment of a provisional administrator and the closure of Barrick's Bamako office underscore the seriousness of the allegations (AP News, Mining.com).
Barrick Gold has publicly denied any wrongdoing and has engaged in arbitration processes to resolve the disputes (ABC News). However, the fact that the Malian government has taken such drastic measures indicates that they believe their claims to be valid. The reliability of the sources reporting on this issue is high, as they include established news organizations such as the Associated Press and Reuters, which are known for their journalistic integrity and fact-checking standards.
While Barrick has attempted to negotiate and resolve the situation, the ongoing nature of the legal disputes and the government's firm stance suggest that the accusations of unpaid taxes are not only serious but also substantiated by legal actions taken against the company.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Barrick Gold faces accusations of owing significant unpaid taxes in Mali is true. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that the Malian government has made substantial allegations against Barrick, leading to legal actions and operational changes regarding the Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex. The ongoing nature of the disputes and the government's actions further validate the seriousness of these accusations.
Sources
- Mali takes control of Barrick Gold mine over tax dispute
- Barrick Gold and Mali to start new negotiations on mine
- Mali takes control of Canadian-owned Barrick Gold mine over
- Mali closes Barrick Gold’s Bamako office over alleged tax
- Mali to take over Canadian-owned Barrick Gold mine
- Mali Court Adjourns Barrick's Gold Complex Hearing Over
- Barrick to appeal Loulo-Gounkoto administrator appointment
- Barrick, Mali to negotiate tax dispute and gold seizure issues
